Support for
Growth

Seasonal workers play a pivotal role in the Australian horticultural industry, especially during peak periods when many growers rely on the assistance of labour hire contractors to source and administer their workforce needs. Increasing scrutiny, legal requirements, fines and market demands all act as checks to incentivise the fair payment and treatment of workers. A concerted cross-sector effort involving government and growers is required to address the dire labour challenges facing the apple and pear industry. Specifically, APAL is working to:

• Introduce a dedicated, fit-for-purpose Ag Visa
• Accelerate the Seasonal Worker Program
• Introduce a National Labour Hire scheme
• Protect the rights of workers

Free from many of the pests and diseases found in orchards elsewhere in the world, Australian apple and pear growers enjoy an enviable reputation for clean, green produce. This competitive advantage relies on stringent controls and measures to manage and prevent unwanted pests and diseases entering and becoming established in our farms and orchards. In addition to robust biosecurity measures on imported produce, greater public education is needed to manage the risks associated with biosecurity. APAL is lobbying for a proportion of the proposed Biosecurity Import levy to be set aside for this purpose.

APAL is a founding member of the Horticulture Council, the horticultural policy forum led by the National Farmers’ Federation. Alongside other commodity groups including the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association, Berries Australia and AUSVEG, the Council advocates for the best interests of Australia’s $11 billion production and ornamental horticulture sectors, ensuring that issues affecting horticulture growers are seriously considered as part of the national agricultural advocacy agenda.