Australian farmers have warned that a Labor Government will push up prices even further at the check-out if the Agricultural Visa is axed.
The Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said farmers are telling Australians that the Labor Party will cause worker shortages in the agriculture sector.
“Fruit and vegetable farmer Paul Shoker spoke on national television this morning about how basic fresh groceries will be unaffordable for Australians because of agricultural labour shortages,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Mr Shoker is echoing farmers across the nation who are shocked that the ALP have vowed to kill the Agricultural Visa and cause greater workforce shortages in the industry.
“The Labor Party has been led by their union masters, the Australian Workers Union, to ditch the Agricultural Visa and break the hearts of Australian farmers. The AWU have demonised the people who keep us fed and clothed.
“Worker shortages are a significant contributor to grocery food prices rising 4 per cent in in the first three months of this year, it is clear we need more workers to keep prices down.
ABARES said in their March forecast, if supply chain bottlenecks continue it will lead to slowdowns in production as industries face shortages of labour and restricted access to inputs which will drive inflationary pressures.
In other words, worker shortages will lead to less produce and will push up prices at the check-out.
“I agree with Mr Shoker when he says there is uncertainty in the industry and that other countries are simply not signing up because of the doubt that the Agricultural Visa will exist after the election.
“If the Labor Party can manage to cause so much confusion in the agriculture sector and put pressure on grocery prices from opposition, imagine what they would do in government.
