National
Unions want working holidaymaker visa axed, say pandemic shows farmers’ over-reliance on backpackers – ABC News
Unions claim the backpacker program is rife with exploitation, calling for more Australians to work on farms as well as an expansion of the seasonal worker program.
Australian farmers need to stop hiring international backpackers to harvest their crops and instead employ young people in regional and rural areas, according to several unions.
Key points:
- Unions have called for the working holiday maker visa to be abolished
- The horticulture sector estimates removing backpackers from the fresh food sector will cost industry $13 billion
- Australia’s unemployment at highest level in 20 years
The Australian Workers’ Union, the S…
