But NSW Farmers says the measure by itself will have little impact, with logistical hurdles unlikely to be overcome before the government subsidy is due to run out on June 30.
NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall last Wednesday announced 50 per cent of the cost of mandatory hotel quarantine for overseas workers would be subsidised under the Pacific Labour Scheme or Seasonal Worker Program.
“We know our primary producers rely on seasonal and foreign workers but we have heard loud and clear that the cost of mandatory quarantine is a significant barrier for farming businesses wanting to employ overseas workers,” Mr Marshall said.
All seasonal workers approved to quarantine in NSW until June 30 will be eligible, provided the majority of their work is undertaken in NSW.
The subsidy will cut the cost to industry to $1500 per person for the rest of the financial year.
Employers who have already incurred the full hotel quarantine cost this financial year will also be refunded half the expense.
NSW Farmers president James Jackson called the move a small step in the right direction but said more was needed.
“This move will bring NSW in line with other states that have introduced support for quarantine costs, however, this commitment is for just over two months as it runs out at the end of the financial year,” Mr Jackson said
“The Australian Government must expedite visa processing times and introduce some flexibility into current visa requirements.
“We must also look at providing assistance to co-ordinate the sharing of seasonal workers across farms during their stay, so small to medium farm businesses can also access harvest workers when required.”
The horticulture sector alone needs another 4000 seasonal workers immediately and an additional 2000 to cover peak seasonal harvest demands, Mr Jackson said.
“NSW fruit and vegetable growers have already amassed millions of dollars worth of crop losses, causing heartache for an industry coming out of prolonged drought, bushfires and now floods.
“Our modelling shows a 50 per cent decrease in seasonal workers would result in a $500 million reduction in the state's output of fresh produce by the end of 2021-22 season.”
However, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program would be reviewed at the end of the financial year and support possibly extended.
Some $12.5 million is allocated in the budget, which at $1500 each could see up to 8300 workers supported.
Mr Perrottet stressed seasonal workers would not enter the country at the expense of returning Australians.
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