In brief
- Farm groups say skilled migrants fill labour shortages, support food security and help sustain regional communities.
- Agricultural bodies want campaigns highlighting skilled migrants’ role as pressure grows to curb migration.
Skilled migrants are essential for addressing labor shortages in Australia, enhancing cultural diversity, and revitalizing rural towns, according to agricultural organizations.
Leading farming associations have called on an inquiry to promote educational initiatives that highlight the vital contributions of skilled migrants. This comes amid calls from conservative parties to limit the number of overseas arrivals.
The inquiry, set to explore the economic, social, and cultural benefits of skilled migration in Australia, will gather insights from farmers, small business representatives, and foreign affairs experts during a session in Canberra on Friday.
In 2024, more than 40 percent of dairy farming operations are expected to employ workers from abroad, as stated in a joint submission by Australian Dairy Farmers and Dairy Australia.
The submission emphasized that public trust could be bolstered through clear communication that skilled migration serves to “complement, not replace, local workers.”
The presence of skilled migrants helps dispel myths, bolster social unity, support local schools, engage with community organizations, and maintain the economies of regional services.
Skilled migrants are also key to food security and the availability of fresh produce, the Australian Meat Industry Council’s submission said.
Public awareness campaigns about overseas workers’ value could be backed by community events to reduce misconceptions and help migrants and long-term residents connect, it said.
“Improved understanding would help shift the narrative from a narrow focus on numbers to an appreciation of who migrants are, what skills they bring, and how they keep regional Australia working.”
Labor is facing intensifying pressure from One Nation and the Coalition to put a lid on migration to reduce demand for housing and services.
Measures revealed in Tuesday’s budget showed that of the 185,000 places allocated for permanent migrants in 2026/27, more than 132,000 will be for skilled workers.
The visa allocations will put downward pressure on net overseas migration, the budget document said.
Anti-immigration rhetoric has resurfaced in recent months.
Since the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in December, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed overseas arrivals are linked to fraying social cohesion.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has promised to only allow arrivals equivalent to the number of homes built in the previous year.
A submission to the inquiry from the National Farmers’ Federation said a sustainable workforce was more important than where it was sourced from.
Skilled migrants often brought valuable international expertise and perspectives, it said.
“Passing on their culture and values can only be of benefit to communities in regional Australia.”
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