Working holidays makers' and their role in the agricultural sector

THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker program, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector.

Committee Chair Julian Leeser says the hearing will be an opportunity to hear from groups about the upcoming harvest season, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the available workforce.

"In our inquiry so far, we have heard from a diverse range of groups and government departments with a wide range of connections to the Working Holiday Maker program," Mr Leeser said.

"This hearing is an opportunity to focus on the workforce issues facing the horticulture industry from groups on the front line of this issue, including Fruit Growers Victoria and the Greater Shepparton City Council.

"The Committee will hear from AgriLabour, a labour hire company working with both Working Holiday Makers and agriculture businesses around Australia."

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday 13 August 2020
Time: 12.30pm – 4pm
Location: by teleconference

The hearing will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live.

Further details on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, are available on the inquiry website.

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