New solutions to crippling regional worker and housing shortage

A new tripartite group proposal for regional Australia aims to solve housing affordability and availability plus ag’s labour shortage — at the same time.

A powerful tripartite body has proposed a range of measures to create “fit-for-purpose” housing for agricultural and processing workers, including “more flexible” regulations and planning approvals for on-farm accommodation.

In a submission to Housing Minister Julie Collins, seen by The Weekly Times, the Agricultural Workforce Working Group – which includes Agriculture Minister Murray Watt – said a new “place-based” planning approach could help solve two of the industry’s enduring issues in housing and worker shortages.

The AWWG recommended targeted plans be developed through consultation with employers, workers and communities to ensure region-specific demand for seasonal, temporary, and permanent worker accommodation was met.

The group suggested necessary funding could be diverted from the $1bn National Housing Infrastructure Facility used for critical infrastructure projects.

Housing Minister Julie Collins during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman

It said co-ordinated action at a national, state and local government level in concert with private investment was also required.

The submission highlighted two state-based schemes that could be expanded to a national level: a Victorian pilot program where the government provides loans to workers for new housing; and a Queensland scheme that re-purposes “under-utilised facilities” and accelerates development of “certain rural workers’ accommodation” through planning regulations changes, allowing them to proceed without planning approvals.

Ms Collins said she was taking the submission “seriously” and would consider its recommendations, “especially as we continue consultation on our new national housing and homelessness plan”.

“We understand the impact housing challenges have on attracting and retaining workers across the country, including in the agriculture industry,” she said.

The AWWG said while the availability, affordability, suitability and standard of worker housing was a national issue, supply constraints were affecting rural, regional and remote areas’ ability to attract agriculture and processing workers of all skill levels, along with associated agricultural service providers such as veterinarians.

National Farmers’ Federation workplace relations and legal affairs general manager Ben Rogers. Picture: Supplied

The AWWG also said anecdotal evidence suggested housing had become a larger factor than pay in employees’ decisions to accept jobs in agriculture.

Working group members include the National Farmers’ Federation, Australian Meat Industry Council, the Australian Workers Union, the United Workers Union and the Department of Agriculture.

NFF workplace relations and legal affairs general manager Ben Rogers said housing was “one of the most significant” external pressures on the agricultural labour market.

The submission also referred to a Griffith program capping worker rents at 75 per cent of market value and a “resort-style” project in rural WA with 236 beds and 28 cabins.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt. Picture: Martin Ollman

Mr Watt said the housing submission was “more evidence” of the AWWG being “incredibly successful” at identifying workforce issues and proposing pathways to solve them.

The AWWG held its final meeting last month but will continue through an Agricultural Workforce Forum.