The National Agricultural Advisory Committee has released a discussion paper to develop a National Agricultural Workforce Strategy.
Stakeholders can now have their say on the paper via the department’s website.
The strategy will position Australia’s agriculture industry in a way that attracts and develops the skilled future workforce it requires.
The Australian Government is encouraging public input on a discussion paper that will help support the agricultural sector to attract, retain and develop the future workforce.
The Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud MP said having a varied and skilled workforce is critical to Australia’s $62 billion agriculture industry”.
“Changes in regional populations and agricultural industry are making it hard for employers to attract and retain the workers they require,” Minister Littleproud said
“We committed $1.9 million to develop an Agriculture Workforce Strategy.
“This Strategy will quantify where, when and how the workforce is needed as well as inform the Government the types and numbers of visas needed for this workforce.
“Australia’s climate variability and weather extremes, such as the current bushfires, floods and drought, further add to this challenge.
“The skills needs of agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and related supply chain service and processing industries are changing.
“There is increased demand for skilled people, capable of operating sophisticated technologies.
“Australian agriculture is vibrant and offers a path for our kids to return to the bush.
“There will always be a need for seasonal workers and we need to get the settings right.
“All these challenges are canvassed in the discussion paper which is a chance for people to share their views on how we can meet these challenges.”
The paper can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s Have Your Say page here: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/national-agricultural-workforce-strategy; and submissions are open to the public.
“We want industry to share their knowledge and views on how to create a sustainable and skilled workforce to support the growth target of agriculture reaching $100 billion by 2030,” Minister Littleproud said.
Fast Facts:
· On 11 December 2019, the Government announced the membership of the National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee.
· The committee is developing the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, which will investigate ways to ensure a sustainable future workforce for the sector and report to government later in 2020.
To have your say:
Read the discussion paper and discussion questions. You can answer these directly or use them to frame your response.
Upload your written response or complete the survey using the online form.
Submit your feedback by 1 June 2020.