Federal Rural and Regional Liberals have made a call for emergency action to meet a critical labour shortage facing Australia’s food growers.
Rural and Regional Liberals Chair Rowan Ramsey said Australia’s food growers are in crisis and unable to get workers on the ground to harvest their crops.
“Australian farmers produce the highest quality food in the world, but they need urgent help picking and harvesting their crops,” he said.
“Our Queensland Liberal colleague Scott Buchholz has raised the critical issues growers are facing right now with our group and suggested we appeal to able Australians to help out.
“You may be recently retired, a grey nomad, you may be on holidays or someone whose job has been affected by COVID19 and are mobile. We are asking that if you can help, you reach out to help get these crops in. Your local Member will be the point to register your interest.
“We recognise the Government has made a number of changes to enable crops to be picked, however, believe more is needed and are calling on Cabinet to eliminate the restrictions on overseas students working in the agricultural industries, as they have already done in the aged-care sector.
“Australia’s horticulture industry relies on tens of thousands of workers, a huge proportion of which are seasonal workers, backpackers and migrants, but now with COVID 19, farmers cannot source this labour force.
“So we are calling on Australians to help-out, roll-up their sleeves and create a “land army” to help out fellow Aussies when they need it most.”
You can find out how to help by calling Rowan Ramsey MP on 08 8633 1744
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
September 17, 2020
