Australian Government's Visa Cuts Spark Concern for Citrus Industry
Citrus Australia's CEO Nathan Hancock has expressed concern over the Australian government's changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa program.
The program allows international backpackers to work in the country for a set period, but the government has announced caps on second and third-year visas. Second-year visas will be limited to 45,000, down from 57,000 this year, while third-year visas will be capped at 5,000, down from 31,000.
Hancock stated that these changes would create uncertainty and disincentivize existing visa holders, who are crucial for the industry. He emphasized that the caps were counterproductive, as they would lead to fewer workers in the horticulture and agriculture sectors just ahead of harvest season.
Citrus Australia is urging the government to provide clarity on the changes and has called for a dedicated Agriculture or Harvest Visa, which they believe would be a more suitable alternative for the sector. Hancock also noted that temporary workers like Working Holiday Makers do not contribute to housing supply issues, as they do not bring family members or dependents.