Thousands more Australians and visa holders will be able to receive financial support to relocate for short-term agricultural work after the Morrison Government announced a six-month extension to the highly successful AgMove initiative.
Latest figures show that since the eligibility criteria for the initiative was made more flexible in May 2021, almost 5,500 AgMove agreements have been negotiated with people from all walks of life who committed to move to regional and rural Australia for short-term agricultural work.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the six-month AgMove extension to 30 June 2022 provides a timely boost to Australia’s vital agriculture sector.
‘The resilience our farmers have shown for so many years has been clear for all to see and the Morrison Government is proud to back them to ensure they have access to the workforce they need,’ Minister Robert said.
‘AgMove is getting much needed workers onto farms across the country and supporting our farmers to get their produce off the farm and onto our plates.
‘There are hundreds of varied jobs available on Aussie farms and the Morrison Government is making it easier than ever before to access those jobs. Help our farmers, find yourself some rewarding work and see a beautiful part of this vast country – you won’t regret it.’
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said with harvest season approaching its busiest period in regions all across the country, there has never been a better time to explore the wide range of exciting job opportunities available on Australian farms.
‘From plant horticulture, dairy and livestock roles to driving machinery and picking fruit and vegetables, there is diverse and exciting work available on our farms,’ Minister Littleproud said.
‘We acknowledge the many challenges our farmers have faced due to the pandemic and recent natural disasters, one of which has been a critical shortage of harvest workers. Extension of AgMove will help us to meet this challenge head on.
‘Whether you’re a student, a job seeker or an experienced worker looking for a change, there is a job for you on an Australian farm and we’ll help you get there.’
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, Luke Howarth, encouraged school leavers, including those aged 17 who have graduated from year 12 to consider a short-term agricultural work experience.
‘We listened to the needs of industry and responded with more flexible eligibility criteria in May last year, which included opening AgMove up to more school leavers,’ Assistant Minister Howarth said.
‘Farm work can be such a rewarding experience, particularly for young Australians, and so I’d urge those school leavers who haven’t quite decided on a next step in life to strongly consider harvest work.
‘You’ll get the chance to meet new people, you’ll see a beautiful part of the country, earn money and the Morrison Government will help cover your costs in getting there.’
Started in November 2020, AgMove provides reimbursement for relocation expenses to eligible participants who move to take up short-term agricultural work and has so far more than 7,000 AgMove Agreements have been negotiate by employment services providers.
