COMPLETING new visa legislation, and finding more accommodation for seasonal workers, are crucial to supporting local citrus growers through current economic challenges, according to a peak industry body. 

Citrus Australia last week outlined its industry priorities for the upcoming federal election, focused on ensuring a long-term supply of seasonal workers for Riverland producers. 

Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said finalising the Australian Agriculture Visa in 2022 remained key for the industry.

“We are calling on both parties to adopt the same long-term view, for the viability of an industry with a farm gate value currently worth $900 million a year to the national economy, and a vital employer in rural areas,” Mr Hancock said. 

“Building on the government’s successful negotiations with Vietnam and continuing to deliver the Australian Agriculture Visa this year by completing further negotiations with ASEAN countries remains critical. 

“We rely on the major parties to negotiate long-term agreements that include mutually beneficial frameworks for employers and employees because we have not found a reliable source of workers here in Australia.” 

Mr Hancock said a strategy to alleviate current accommodation shortages in regional areas was also necessary for a sustainable workforce. 

“We’re calling on both parties to roll up their sleeves and deliver real solutions to the critical worker accommodation shortage within the next 12 months by developing and implementing a strategic investment plan across all three levels of government, aligning planning and building laws to encourage and allow private investment,” he said. 

“It’s one thing to flag commitment to a goal of agriculture reaching a value of $100 billion by 2030, and another to listen to those in the regions and invest time and resources in key projects like increasing available accommodation because it is a key restraint to seeing this through to realisation.”