Farm groups have slammed the federal government's changes to the structure of the working holiday maker (WHM) visa, saying it imperils Australia's food production and adds to labour shortage woes.
Visa holders working in the tourism and hospitality sectors in northern, remote and very remote areas of Australia will be able to count this towards eligibility for a second or third year extension without completing farm work.
The government said the option would be available to those applying from March 2022, but it would take into account work already being done in those areas from June 22.
Lobbyist Growcom labelled the changes as "divorced from farming reality".
Growcom policy manager Richard Shannon said not a single agricultural body, including the National Farmers' Federation, had been advised of the changes to immigration regulations.
"There was no engagement whatsoever with the federal government which is baffling really.
"A change with such a huge impact on the availability of backpacker labour, that the industry shouldn't be consulted is beyond belief."
In mid-June, agriculture minister David Littleproud promised the agreement with the UK to scrap a requirement for working holiday-makers to work on farms would not be extended to other nations.
Today, in a statement, Mr Littleproud did not address those comments but maintained that remote communities were "desperate" for staff.
"The government is trying to not only support these parts of Australia but has also taken pre-emptive steps to support agriculture by establishing a designated ag visa before the end of the year," he said.
Pickers, packers needed
In Queensland, where the majority of the nation's winter fruit and vegetables are grown, the state government estimates a 4,000 to 9,000 shortfall in harvest workers.
Fewer than 40,000 working holiday makers remain in Australia, down from a usual 150,000.
With about three-quarters of the usual workforce in horticulture made up of backpackers, Mr Shannon said this ruling would worsen the pain.
"We're already going to be short and permitting backpackers to do 88 days in tourism or hospitality is only going to further exacerbate this problem," he said.
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) criticised the move as likely to reduce the workforce available, particularly to northern and remote farmers.
NFF CEO Tony Mahar said the changes would especially hurt northern cattle stations, where backpackers are an integral part of the workforce.
He said the move had undone the positive relations following the announcement of a new agricultural visa.
"This latest decision is frustrating for farmers as it looks as if the Government is trying to give with one hand and take with the other," Mr Mahar said.
The NT Farmers Association said it was shocked by what it said was the Commonwealth's move to undermine the agricultural industry's ability to secure farm workers.
Mr Hawke's office did not provide comment to the ABC.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said changes to specified work for tourism and hospitality followed recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration (JSCM) Inquiry into the WHM program.
The spokesperson said the inquiry's report dated November 30, 2020, considered the views of 89 written submissions, including those of the NFF and other farm groups.
Local labour steps in
North of Townsville, pineapple, pumpkin and melon farm labour manager Rian Pace said agriculture still had much to offer the backpacker hoping to gain a visa extension.
"Policy changes are always a concern, but we're confident with what we can offer backpackers, which is 88 days employment in a row to get their work done," he said.
The business, 50 kilometres from Townsville, had made significant changes to its workforce over the past few months, incorporating more local staff in a major overhaul of its employment strategy.
"With the shortage of backpackers we've done a pivot," Mr Pace said.
"Our issue was that locals weren't looking for work but that seems to have changed.
"It's hard to say why but maybe the end of JobKeeper, people wanting to get out and work outdoors, we've also had people move up from down south."
Mr Pace said with much of the world shut out of Australia, he predicted an influx of working holiday makers when borders reopened and competition for jobs across industries.
