Pulsate

Haines heads to Pacific to tackle local labour shortage

HELEN Haines will travel to Suva in Fiji to meet with the Pacifi c Island Forum as part of a parliamentary delegation focused on agricultural labour shortages, and Australia’s national security interests in the Pacifi c.

The Independent Member for Indi will be joined by members of all the major political parties and crossbench and is funded by Save The Children Australia.

Dr Haines said she accepted the invitation to attend so she could advocate for stronger workforce partnerships between Pacifi c nations and the Australian agricultural sector.

“Australian farmers have been struggling with workforce shortages for years - the pandemic simply made things worse,” she said.

“This is probably the number one challenge facing our farmers right now.”

Dr Haines, who grew up on a dairy farm and still runs beef cattle today, has been consulting with local farmers about their workforce needs over recent weeks and said farmers are struggling right across the electorate.

“I have heard from farmers who lost 80 per cent of their crop last year simply because they couldn’t find anyone to pick it,” she said.

And they’re bracing for the same this year. It’s one thing in a pandemic, but we are nearly three years into this now and the borders are open - it’s time for Governments to step up.”

Dr Haines criticised the new Government’s policies on agricultural visas, saying the decision to scrap the former Government’s plan for a dedicated visa for farm workers from South East Asia was a backwards step.

Labor’s policy will reduce the number of countries from which agricultural workers could come to Australia from, a move Dr Haines said is unhelpful.

“It was hugely disappointing to see Labor walk away from the Agricultural Visa.

“We could have been striking deals with countries like Thailand and Malaysia right now, but instead we are back to the drawing board.

“It’s a real mistake and I have urged the Agriculture Minister to reverse that decision.

“It is more important than ever that a rural Independent like me is there to put forward the sensible policies on topics like agricultural labour.”

Dr Haines said her focus was now on enhancing the Pacifi c Australia Labour Mobility Scheme to make sure it delivers the labour force needed for local farmers.

“We have some major harvests coming up in a few months.

“Citrus is happening as we speak.

“Pumpkins will happen in October.

“Hops start in December. “Cherries not far behind.

“If we don’t have the workforce in place for these harvests, then the Government will have serious questions to answer.

“I am joining with farmers to call for immediate action to expedite Pacifi c Island workers to come to Australia, and enough fl exibility in those visa arrangements to enable people to work shorter harvests across multiple farms.”

“And longer term, we need to be looking to expand eligibility for these visas beyond the Pacifi c.

“If there are workers in South East Asia, or India, our South America, who want to work on Aussie farms, and farmers here who want them, why do we not enable that to happen?

“It’s pretty basic stuff .”

Dr Haines will also visit the Australia Pacifi c Training Coalition and will learn about opportunities for the aged care workforce to be expanded here in Indi with workers from the Pacifi c.

“It’s not just agricultural employers who are struggling to find workers, but many other sectors as well.

“I will be making every effort to make connections to help employers back in Indi through this trip.”

The delegation will be briefed on Australia’s aid to the Pacifi c, visit local leaders and speak to aspiring female politicians in Fiji.

HELP US WARM UP: Homeless people can be kept warmer this winter when you donate unwanted ski jackets and clothing.

Make winter better - heat the homeless

KEEPING the homeless warm this winter is the aim of the latest charity collection from Heat the Homeless.

Started by Peter Forras, son of Ernst Forras, the charity collects unwanted and clean ski jackets which are then distributed to the homeless through shelters.

On Mt Buller Peter Forras is collecting along with the Arlberg Hotel and in Mansfi eld McGrath Real Estate and Outdoor Pleasure are the collection points.

“We urge you to donate your pre-loved, warm, clean, waterproof jackets to members of our community experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough and needing warmth. “Only one rule:if you wouldn’t wear it, please don’t give it.”

Kate McDougall of McGrath Real Estate said this is the second year the appeal has run and McGrath’s alone sent off some 40-50 good ski jackets.

“These were fi rst sent to the Wangaratta Homeless Shelter and any excess they had then went on to Melbourne.

“Over all Australia there is estimated to be some 116,000 people classifi ed as homeless that need warmer clothing and shelter this winter,” she said.

“This is a great initiative.”

Unwanted ski jackets can be left at McGrath Real Estate, Highett Street or Outdoor Pleasure, High Street in Mansfi eld or at the Arlberg Hotel on Mt Buller.

TANIA MAXWELL MP

Derryn Hinch's Justice Party

M E M B E R F O R N O R T H E R N V I C T O R I A

Working for fair, just, safe communities.