Cash to relocate won’t fix the agriculture crisis, industry says
Aussies would get paid up to $6000 to relocate to the regions to pick fruit – even if they’re not on welfare support – under the latest push to fix the labour crisis. But it still might not do the trick, and Queenslanders could be set to pay the price at the checkout.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There will still be a shortfall in fruit pickers unless more is done to bring in workers than what was announced in the Federal Budget, the industry says.
There was $17 million announced for a relocation allowance, and young people who earn $15,000 picking fruit between November this year and December next year will be able to qualify as an “independent” to start receiving Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY payments.
The cash means the jobless Aussies willing to pack up and head to the regions for a fruit picking or farming job will get paid up to $6000 to cover the cost of relocation, even if the work is for just a few weeks.
Jobless Aussies can't even be paid to move to regions for work
Pick fruit, slash uni fees: Bold plan to save agriculture
Currently the job must be for at least 12 months for the person to be eligible for the relocation allowance, while many fruit picking jobs are seasonal and last for six weeks or a few months.
From November 1, even Australians not on support payments, such as grey nomads or university students, will be able to apply for the relocation allowance if they are undertaking at least six weeks or 120 hours agricultural work.
Australian Fresh Produce Alliance boss Michael Rogers said the measures were welcome but that it was a complex problem and more would need to be done to fill the predicted workforce shortage.
“From our perspective you should continue to encourage measures for Australians to take up the work, but restarting the Pacific and seasonal worker program is not moving as quickly as we’d hoped,” he said.
Fullerton Farms boss Ken Fullerton said the allowances would help attract Australian workers to the jobs, but that more incentives to keep existing backpacker workers in the country would be a benefit.
“It’s a move in the right direction. It’s good if you’re single or a couple with no kids, but it’s a bit hard if you’ve got a family if you have to relocate for just a few months work,” he said.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said it was about removing barriers to get more Australians into work.
“We are doing everything we can to support Australians into work. We know there are jobs in the regions available for those willing to relocate,” she said.
