Media Release: 14 April 2020
The State, Territory and Federal Agriculture Ministers discussed the issue of agricultural visa workers at a ministerial meeting today and reported how they will meet the principles set by the National Cabinet last week.
Each jurisdiction set out on how they will implement the necessity for self-isolation, social distancing, hygiene and appropriate accommodation requirement.
The Federal Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, will report the position of the states and territories to the Prime Minister and the National Cabinet meeting this week.
Minister Littleproud said he was grateful for the cooperative spirit and determination of each jurisdiction to put into practice the measures.
“While there will be variations between individual states and territories each accept their responsibility for implementing the National Cabinet decisions to ensure the health and safety of workers and regional communities.
“It’s also in the interest of all visa holders working in the regions to adhere to the rules as any breach of the visa requirement will mean the cancelation of their visa.
“The agriculture worker visa extension during the COVID-19 crisis will mean the fruit gets picked, the food gets processed and Australia’s food supply chain continues.”
