NSW border closure: Confusion over seasonal worker ban
Changes to border crosssing rules between NSW and Victoria have made it harder for seasonal workers and farmers. Here’s what you need to know.
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FARMERS who need to cross the Victorian-NSW border will have to self-isolate when they are not working, according to strict new rules from tomorrow.
The NSW Government’s harsh new border policy also bans seasonal workers from Victoria crossing the Murray River, cutting off thousands from essential harvest work.
It comes despite earlier assurances that agriculture as an essential service would not be affected by the ongoing border closure, which NSW has extended as coronavirus outbreaks continue to spread.
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A tighter border of about 2km either side of the Murray has been enforced, and new permits limited to border residents or critical services.
People will only be able to cross for work or school if they cannot work or study from home; or for medical care and health services.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard’s office would not confirm if agricultural workers would be exempt, instead directing T he Weekly Times to the Department of Customer Service website.
There is confusion around the annexation of seasonal workers from the agriculture classification.
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The site indicates critical workers – including agriculture – can get permits but will have to self-isolate when not working.
Seasonal workers have been banned altogether, however NSW has provided no detail if that exclusively means foreign workers or includes domestic contractors.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes said she was working with NSW to clarify the new orders and ensure freight could continue to cross.
“These changes will obviously have significant impacts on border communities,” she said.
“My priority is making sure these measures are workable for residents and industry and that border communities aren’t cut off from vital services.”
The clampdown has come as a shock to the nation’s citrus industry, which many growers concentrated along the Murray River.
“We’re right in the throes of harvest. There would be hundreds, if not thousands (of workers) who need to cross the bridge. And I can understand people coming from hot spots, but these people are healthy,” Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said.
Many seasonal workers live in the Victorian border town of Mildura, home to one of Australia’s largest labour hire companies, Madec.
Madec’s head of harvest labour service Gavin Krake said he was hopeful agricultural work would continue to be defined as an essential service.
Mr Krake said it appeared those who live in the new border zone could apply for a permit to travel across the border for work.
Citrus growing areas from Ellerslie down to Gol Gol and Trentham are within the border zone so Victorian workers with a permit should not be impacted.
“Thankfully the citrus harvest in NSW areas of the Murray Valley should still proceed as planned,” Mr Krake said.
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