The Minister for Agriculture has announced a new National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee to be tasked with providing a clear strategy for a sustainable industry workforce by July next year.
The Minister, Bridget McKenzie said Australian agriculture had its best years ahead of it, despite current difficulties caused by drought and bushfires.
“Workforce needs is one of the top two issues farmers raise with me no matter where I go, from Darwin to Devonport, or what sector they’re from,” Senator McKenzie said.
“If agriculture is to grow to its full potential, we need to make sure farmers have access to a fit-for-purpose workforce – that’s the right worker, at the right place, at the right time of the season.”
She said the committee would provide the Government with critical advice about meeting agricultural workforce needs now and into the future.
“They’ll be looking to give us advice to achieve the best balance of international and national labour and ways to make agriculture a career of choice for our young people,” Senator McKenzie said.
“I want Australians to recognise that they can have a rewarding, fulfilling, high-tech career out in rural and regional Australia working in agriculture.”
The 11-member committee will be led by Chair, John Azarias.
The remaining committee members have been named as: Ruth Nettle (Deputy Chair), John Williams (Deputy Chair), Will Barton, Hermione Parsons, Geoff Richards, Angeline Achariya, Julie Aldous, Jacki Schirmer, Robert Hinrichsen, and Clayton Nelson.
