Farm jobs: Victorian harvest sign-on bonus, seasonal worker quarantine funding to continue

Two popular programs aimed at getting more workers on to Victorian farms will be extended, giving farmers some breathing space as they struggle to lock in staff.

The Victorian Government is extending two programs aimed at getting more fruit pickers onto farms. Photographer: Zoe Phillips

Victoria will extend its $2500 cash bonus scheme, aimed at luring Aussies to pick and pack fruit and vegetables. 

And quarantine arrangements for Pacific Island seasonal workers will be in place beyond June 30, with the State Government renewing both programs as horticultural workforce shortages continue to frustrate growers.

The $19.3 million pair of programs were only promised until the end of this month. Despite the vast majority of that initial funding remaining untapped, farmers were at risk of losing them as no cash had been locked in for either scheme after June 30.

However, Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas today announced both programs would continue into the new financial year.

“Our approach to the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic has been securing a mix of both international and local workers to help equip agriculture businesses for this season and the seasons ahead,” Ms Thomas said.

“The horticulture sector is worth $3.6 billion to the Victorian economy and we are working closely with the industry as it develops a more sustainable seasonal workforce for seasons to come.”

The $10.5 million sign-on bonus scheme – which pays workers an extra $2430 for completing eight weeks’ harvest work – has proved popular with growers and workers alike, who say it is helping people cover their costs while they build up their skills in those first weeks on-farm.

More than 1800 people have been paid their first $810 for completing 10 days work, with at least another 460 receiving the remaining $1620 for finishing the whole eight weeks; it means about $2.19 million of the scheme has been paid out so far.

Under the seasonal worker quarantine program, the Government had promised $7.8 million to cover $5200 in individual quarantine costs for 1500 Pacific Island workers by June 30.

So far, about 840 workers have arrived, meaning about $4.3 million has been spent.

Another flight of workers is scheduled to arrive next month, as the Government anticipates the remaining places will be filled in coming months depending on industry demand.

There is no indication yet if the program will continue once all 1500 places are taken.

Ms Thomas said there would be discussions at today’s agriculture ministers’ forum as “it’s clear we need a longer-term national solution to this longstanding issue brought to the fore by the pandemic”.

The news has been welcomed by the state’s farmers – who also warned an ongoing solution to attract workers was still needed.

“We need all the tools available on farms,” Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Emma Germano said.

“We know the worker shortage has been catastrophic for some, so this is welcome, but we also know we need long-term solutions to bring workers into the country.”