1MG FlippingBooks
COVID-19 restrictions ban seasonal workers from crossing NSW border
Elizabeth Gracie
Seasonal workers who have travelled from overseas countries to pick fruit and harvest produce have been banned from entering NSW if they are travelling from Victoria.
Victoria is currently experiencing a second wave of the novel coronavirus which has seen the state go back into Stage 3 lockdown measures.
Australian citizens who are seasonal workers will be able to apply for a permit to cross the border as essential work. Workers on working visas such as the Pacific Labour Scheme and working holiday visas are banned.
The decision has already had a significant impact on the citrus industry in the Sunraysia region of Victoria who call the border control restriction “illogical and discriminatory”.
According to industry body Citrus Australia, up to 1,200 people have already been affected.
When speaking with the ABC, Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Vice President Emma Germano said that we should now expect tremendous issues to arise within the horticulture supply chain if fruit pickers were unable to travel to work across the NSW-Victoria Border.
“If we’re choosing who’s allowed to move around based on what their visas status or what their passport says, that’s obviously not in line with how the coronavirus has treated us all equally,” said Germano.
However, NSW Health Minister Adam Marshall said the decision to close the border to international seasonal workers was one made in conjunction with current health advice.
He does not anticipate any significant nor serious problems with supply for the agriculture industry to arise from this decision.
“My concern is to make sure the agriculture sector and the food supply chain is able to continue virtually uninterrupted,” said Marshall.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian does not expect the policy to change any time soon and noted that such workers were high risk and thus would not be let into NSW for the foreseeable future.
It is understood that other workers are encouraged to undertake these vacant seasonal roles to avoid a labour shortage in the state.
NEWS
StockLive runs weekly online commercial sales for cattle and sheep —
giving agents, producers and buyers a simpler, more transparent way to
trade livestock nationally.
YaraRega helps macadamia growers improve nutrient efficiency and operational flexibility through fertigation or dry application, supporting consistent tree performance, productivity, and seasonal nutrient management 
The global agricultural landscape is currently weathering a perfect storm. With ongoing conflict in the Middle East and instability involving major trade routes, the supply chain for traditional synthetic fertilisers has been pushed to the brink.  For Australian farmers, this isn’t just a headline, it’s a direct hit to the bottom line, with skyrocketing costs and looming shortages threatening the next harvest.
The U10 Pro Range redefines what a top‑tier full‑size UTV can be, launching a bold new era for the UFORCE family — now offered in three distinct models
Australian farmers are facing overwhelming pressure. They shouldn’t have to face this alone.
Family owned company Australian Farm and Fencing, located in Wagga Wagga NSW, is on a mission to help more and more Australian farmers recognise what is widely considered the world's best soil restorative or premium organic fertiliser: vermicast.
