Farmers secure deal with government to fast-track backpacker visas

Farmers have reached a 'good faith' deal with the government to fast-track the processing of backpacker visas, bringing relief to regional areas struggling with worker shortages.

Urgent visas to be processed 'instantly'

National Farmers Federation (NFF) chief executive Michael Guerin said the deal will help alleviate critical labour shortage problems in the agricultural sector. "(The government has) reacted quickly on what is a critical and urgent need," he said.

The NFF has been working with the government to prioritize urgent visa applications, with Mr Guerin stating that the process will allow for some applications to be processed in a matter of days. "We don't know exactly the numbers we'll be putting through to Home Affairs each day. They don't know the numbers they'll be receiving," Mr Guerin said.

A temporary solution

While the NFF has welcomed the government's fast-tracked approvals, Mr Guerin expressed concerns that the deal does not address the long-term issue. "The facts are that Australian agriculture relies completely on these working holiday-maker visas, on overseas labour in various forms," he said.

"Communities are suffering, producers are suffering, we're unable to get crops off," Mr Guerin added. The NFF expects the agreement to help alleviate some of the pressure, but Mr Guerin emphasized that a broader reform of migration is needed.

Eligibility and application process

State farming organisations and commodity groups will help organise the most urgent applications. Workers need to have already applied for a Working Holiday Maker visa to be considered. They also need to engage in agricultural work on a specific farm and their labour and timely arrival need to be critical to business operations.

A government spokesperson said the Department of Home Affairs recognised the contribution of Working Holiday Makers to the economy and the labour market. "There are a small group of WHMs who head straight to the regions and use their particular skills to support our agriculture sector," they said.