The package includes more than $6 million to boost the supply of COVID-safe accommodation for seasonal workers, including working with councils and local accommodation providers, such as motels and caravan parks, to explore accommodation options for regional seasonal workers.
“The remaining funds are going to be put to a communication and awareness campaign and attracting people to the industry,” Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes said.
“We've got a new audience this year, so obviously with less people coming from other countries we really want to attract local people to local jobs.”
To help connect workers to jobs as quickly as possible, the government will also employ new seasonal workforce coordinators who, along with new engagement officers, will link local industry groups, employers, labour hire agencies, local government and other stakeholders.
The engagement officers will also provide additional support to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who traditionally make up a significant portion of the seasonal agricultural workforce.
Despite this $17 million package going some way to helping reduce the labour shortage, Ms Symes urged the Federal Government to do more.
“I have been having ongoing conversations with the Federal Government for many months now about this issue (the reliance of a migrant workforce),” she said.
“I think the Federal Government could do more to ensure people have less barriers to come into this industry.
“The federal parliamentary report (by the the Joint Migration Standing Committee) encouraged the Federal Government to consider allowing people to remain on JobKeeper whilst dipping their toe into agriculture and that's something I fully support.
“In fact, it is something I have previously raised with the Federal Agriculture Minister (David Littleproud).”
In addition to encouraging Australians to work in regional areas, the Victorian Government will join other states in helping local employers take part in the Federal Government's Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme.
Ardmona orchardist and Fruit Growers Victoria chairman Mitchell McNab said the $6 million allocated for accommodation upgrades would be welcomed by the industry.
“The reality is a lot of farms have on-site accommodation, but to meet the COVID rules and regulations I think a lot of them wouldn't quite qualify in certain ways,” Mr McNab said.
“Hopefully a lot of the growers can draw on this funding to put the right steps in place to ensure their workers are safe and I think it's a great program to offer growers.”
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the government was considering the recommendations made by the Joint Migration Standing Committee.
“There are some measures that will come into effect on September 25 for those on JobSeeker,” Mr Littleproud said.
“They'll be able to earn $1257 a fortnight before removing their JobSeeker payments.”
Ms Symes encouraged farmers and job seekers to sign up on the Agriculture Workforce Plan website to fill roles or find work.
To sign up, and for more information, visit: bit.ly/32FLqoY
