Coronavirus Australia: Temporary changes to visa allow backpackers to stay and work

The Federal Government have handed farmers a lifeline with the announcement of temporary visa changes to allow Pacific Islanders and backpackers to keep working on farms.

FARMERS have welcomed visa changes that will allow Pac­ific Island workers and backpackers to keep working in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary changes — announced by the Federal Government this week — put an end to weeks of uncertainty for workers and producers, and should ensure there are enough workers for the coming winter harvest.

Farmers had feared global travel bans would lead to a worker shortage, as no new seasonal workers or working holiday-makers could come to take the place of those already here.

The Government had initially told employers seasonal workers would have to move on to a bridging visa, which would have left them with no work rights.

But Agriculture Minister David Littleproud this week said overseas workers employed in agriculture could extend their visas if they expired in coming months.

Pacific Island seasonal workers can extend their stay for 12 months, while backpackers whose visas are due to expire in the next six months can apply for another visa if they work in agriculture.

Australian Fresh Produce alliance chief executive Mich­ael Rogers said the changes helped both farmers and workers, many of whom would have been unable to return home because of the travel restrictions.

“The alternative to the extension of their visa arrangements was leaving these people unemployed in regional communities with minimal access to healthcare,” he said.

Some industry concerns remain, however, over whether seasonal workers could move between farms; under the seasonal worker scheme, workers are tied to a particular workplace.

“It will be important that seasonal workers are able to move between employers … particularly when their current work has run out, people need to be able to move where the work is,” Mr Rogers said.

The Government also announced new rules that will force backpackers to register and self-isolate for 14 days before taking up work in a new region.

The National Farmers’ Federation has also developed a guide to help farmers ensure their workplace and staff accommodation meets strict social distancing requirements.