Analysis

Attributable to NFF Horticulture Council Executive Offcer Richard Shannon

workers and that overall employment numbers are increasing.

However, these improvements must be viewed in context, as the baseline for comparison is the pandemic years, when labour shortages were particularly severe.

The easing of international travel restrictions has been a key factor in addressing these challenges, particularly through the return of backpackers.

This underscores the vital role the Working Holiday Maker program plays in meeting horticulture’s labour needs—a critical consideration as the program’s future undergoes review.

What stands out most is that, despite a record number of backpackers returning in 2022/23, 34% of employers still reported diffculties in recruiting enough workers. This highlights persistent failures in the labour market, which Federal Government initiatives such as the Working Holiday Maker program and the Pacifc Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are intended to mitigate.

The Council calls for further analysis from ABARES to deepen our understanding of these ongoing labour market challenges. Such work will be instrumental in guiding government policies to ensure Australians have a reliable supply of fresh, affordable fruits, vegetables, nuts, turf, and nursery products.