Paddock to Plate becoming a pipe-dream as Labor slashes crucial farm work program in Fisher

Local farmers are warning that Labor is once again making it harder to get food from paddock to plate, by axing a crucial backpacker and worker program for primary producers from July 1.

Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said Labor’s scrapping of the harvest trail program meant farmers across the Sunshine Coast would find it even harder to get the workers they need.

“This program has connected backpackers, working holidaymakers and Australian workers – including students, older Australians, and those unable to access traditional work – with farmers and producers right across our community,” Mr Wallace said.

“It’s defrayed the cost of red-tape and allowed local employment service providers to bridge the gap between eager seasonal workers and those agribusinesses with the greatest need for temporary workers.”

“However, Labor is once again showing contempt for the farming industry on the Sunshine Coast by axing the Harvest Trail Services and Harvest Trail Information Service with little notice.”

This latest cut comes after the Federal Labor Government slashed the Coalition’s Ag Visa, increased the cost of backpackers’ visas, imposed the so-called ‘truckies tax’, increased the cost of energy through the Safeguard Mechanism, and proposed a new carbon tax on Utes and family cars.

“Every day and in every way, it has become clear that this Labor Government has it out for Australian farmers, driving up the cost-of-living crisis.”

“The less workers farmers can find, the less they can plant or harvest, meaning families will pay more for their food at the checkout.”

“The reality is that, yet again, Australians are paying more for less. And regional communities are footing the bill for Labor’s budget blowouts at the big end of town. Enough is enough,” Mr Wallace added.

Mr Wallace spoke about the program in Parliament on 1 July 2024. A link to the speech can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFFPkflWRoI