Farmers have been asked to trial a pre-travel quarantine pilot for Pacific Workers .with the aim to expand the available options to access a productive, reliable and highly valued labour force.
The scheme , of successful will lead to the agricultural sector gaining the workers it needs in the right place at the right time and within the necessary health guidelines.
It has been a challenging year for many farmers who have struggled to get the workers they need through the COVID-19 pandemic.
This pilot will allow countries such as Vanuatu and Fiji or any other participating country who already run successful quarantine programs, to pre-screen participants in the Seasonal Workers Programme.
South Australia is leading the way, by being the first to join the scheme, other states are expected to follow.
The other states need to recognise that the nations farmers need these workers urgently. There is no excuse for them not to sign up and ensure their farmers will have the workers when they need them.
They could be part of this win-win pilot which is good for Australian farmers and for Pacific nations who are able to earn vital income during this challenging period.
In any case, a successful trial in South Australia will lays the foundation for national confidence.
The Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker Programme, and related temporary visas, are a successful partnership with Pacific and Timor Leste governments and industry.
Workers under these schemes already play a critical role in regional economic development and maximising the productivity of Australian farmers.
