LABOR AXES FARMWORKER SUPPORT AND NETWORKING PROGRAM

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has echoed the frustration of farmers as the Federal Labor Government axes the Harvest Trail Services and Harvest Trail Information Service, important initiatives which help connect prospective farmworkers with farmers looking for employees.

 “It is well known across the Riverina and Central West our farmers are struggling because it has become very difficult to find farmworkers under Labor,” Mr McCormack said.

 “It has now become even more difficult because of Labor’s decision to cease the Harvest Trail Services and Harvest Trail Information Service from 30 June 2024 in order to save $47.3 million and $11.1 million per year ongoing.

 “Perhaps, if our Labor Government wasn’t so bad at managing our economy, it wouldn’t have to cut services which support hard-working farmers and farmworkers.

 “Now, as a result of Labor’s apathy towards regional communities, we’ve lost a valuable jobs board and an information service which helped employers and employees alike.

 “Many of Australia’s farmworkers are from overseas, here under a working holiday visa. For those in such circumstances, it can be incredibly daunting to be looking for work in a foreign country and to learn when and where farm job opportunities arise.

 “The Harvest Trail Information Service also acted as a reliable and credible source of information regarding fair, safe and legal work arrangements, and would also support referrals to the Fair Work Ombudsman as well as health and safety authorities if the situation so required.

 “Why Labor would want to make it harder for farmers and workers to access this vital information is beyond me.

 “Ordinary Australian families should also be concerned because the harder it is for farmers to find workers, the less farmers can grow or harvest, resulting in higher food prices at the checkout — exacerbating Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.”

ENDS