Regional Impacts of Working Holiday Makers Report
Australia has the most desired WHM visa program in the world, attracting over 200,000 WHMs every year to work, travel and live around Australia. Starting in 1975, the WHM program aimed to attract travellers on temporary visas to bridge labour shortages and increase cultural and social exchange. WHMs are often skilled, with 63% of them […]
Submission in response to Supporting Strong and Sustainable Regions
Overseas workers are an indispensable part of Australian agriculture. Our members run seasonal and labour-intensive operations, located in areas where labour markets are thin. The remote, dispersed, cyclical/seasonal and oftentimes physically challenging nature of farm work necessitates a flexible, mobile and motivated workforce, a certain type of worker who is not always available in the […]
NFF backs petition for improved train lighting to save lives
The National Farmers’ Federation has thrown its support behind a petition to improve train lighting to save lives on regional roads. The petition asks the Australian Parliament to implement legislation requiring mandatory rotating beacon lights on the front and sides of trains and rolling stock. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said the NFF strongly […]
Parliamentarians urged to stand up for family farms in the face of ‘Super Tax’
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is again urging Senate cross benchers to consider the impact of proposed taxation changes for superannuation on thousands of family farms across Australia. “We are pleased to see reports today that Senate crossbenchers David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie have raised concerns about the proposed legislation, and we are calling on […]
Migration paper prompts renewed calls for a farm visa
The National Farmers’ Federation has acknowledged the Regional Migration Discussion Paper released today, which it says should kickstart a robust discussion on getting migration settings right for farmers and regional Australia. While the paper considers all regional migration settings, it shines a spotlight on the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. NFF Acting CEO Charlie Thomas […]
NFF Submission – Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL)
NFF appreciates the opportunity to submit to Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) regarding the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). Representing a broad spectrum of Australian agriculture since 1979, the NFF underscores the critical role of skilled migration pathways in maintaining a robust agricultural workforce. This submission highlights the sector’s reliance on skilled migrants, the potential […]
PALM work hours change a step in the right direction
The National Farmers’ Federation’s Horticulture Council has today welcomed improvements to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme that will go a long way to ensuring it remains an accessible and viable workforce option for Australian farmers. The change means from 1 July 2024, employers of short-term workers will be required to offer 120 hours […]
NFF warns against short-sighted migration plans
The National Farmers’ Federation has warned proposals to cap migration will exacerbate agriculture’s workforce challenges and there are better ways to address the housing crisis. In the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s post-budget address, he revealed plans to slash worker migration, a move NFF President David Jochinke said could deal a heavy blow to Australia’s agricultural […]
Open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Dear Prime Minister, Last week, for the first time in 39 years, farmers from across Australia determined that they no longer have confidence in your government to represent their interests. This vote followed an unprecedented walk-out by farmers on your Agriculture Minister’s budget address. This is not how we usually operate at the National Farmers’ […]
Australian agriculture passes vote of no confidence in the Albanese Government
Australian agriculture’s peak policy-making forum has sent a powerful message to the Albanese Government. The National Farmers’ Federation’s Members Council, comprising Australia’s state and commodity agricultural organisations, has today carried three motions: NFF President David Jochinke said this was an unprecedented move representing a united front from the industry. “Farmers, fishers and foresters feel they […]