Deal struck to allow certain WHM visa applications to be fast-tracked

TasFarmers has welcomed a deal between the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the federal government to fast-track certain Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa applications.

Under the arrangement, the NFF can submit eligible WHM visa applications for workers in specific agricultural roles when their timely arrival is critical to activities such as planting and harvesting.

TasFarmers will be the NFF's key state contact for supporting visa applications under the new process.

The government has slowed down the processing of first-year WHM visas and prioritised second-year and third-year visas.

It is also planning to limit how many backpackers can enter Australia.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that a ballot system would be introduced for backpackers wanting to stay in Australia for more than a year.

A cap of 45,000 will be applied to those looking to stay a second year, with those seeking a third year capped at 5000.

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said it was a promising deal that primary producers urgently needed.

“For shorter horizon needs like grain harvesting and particular types of fruit picking, skilled backpacker visas are important.

“The federal government really needs to engage with both the NFF and state farming organisations like us to understand the critical skill gap needs on the ground that can’t be met through the local workforce that isn’t available and then to design visa pathways around that.”

NFF CEO Michael Guerin said the deal it struck with the government to fast-track visas was a practical, good-faith process to help address genuine and urgent workforce shortages facing farm businesses.

“The arrangement is intended only for genuine, urgent cases and relies on industry and government working together in good faith to support Australia’s food and fibre production,” Mr Guerin said.

“While this process may provide some short-term relief, it is not a long-term solution.

“Australian agriculture relies on access to both skilled and unskilled workers, and the NFF will continue advocating for workforce and migration settings that support farm businesses, regional communities and national food security.”

The deal is not a special visa pathway, and it does not guarantee visa approval or expedited processing.

All applications remain subject to the Department of Home Affairs’ normal assessment processes and eligibility requirements.

“We also recognise agriculture is not the only sector affected by current WHM processing changes,” Mr Guerin said.

“The NFF will continue working alongside other industries for a longer-term solution that supports regional businesses and communities.”

A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said the number of WHMs in Australia was at a record high.

“The Government will now manage first-year WHM processing to deliver an average processing time of approximately three months.

“This balanced approach will provide greater control over the impact of WHMs on net overseas migration, while supporting regional labour market needs.”

The department said a small group of WHMs head straight to the regions and use their particular skills to support our agriculture sector.

“Consistent with the balanced approach the Government is taking to WHMs, the Department will work with the National Farmers Federation on identifying and prioritising people with specific skills in the agricultural sector who have applied for a WHM visa, have contracted with an employer to provide their skills to undertake agricultural work and need to be here inside 3 months.”