Agriculture Industry

Lawrence argued that the government had restored significant trade access for Australian farmers, reversing losses caused by previous coalition policies. Lawrence highlighted the conclusion of free trade agreements with the EU, UK, and UAE, which would remove tariffs on key agricultural exports. Lawrence also noted the government’s introduction of a National Biosecurity Strategy and a $127 million bailout to stabilise biosecurity funding. Lawrence contended that the opposition’s stance threatened these economic benefits and responsible market signals.

Webster seconded the motion, citing specific cases of delayed Working Holiday Maker visa processing that threatened the imminent harvest in her electorate. Webster argued that contractors relying on experienced overseas operators faced significant financial losses and safety risks due to the delays. Webster questioned the government’s duty of care regarding farm safety and liability if workers did not arrive in time. Webster accused the government of using farmers’ workforce needs as a bargaining chip in broader migration negotiations.

Miller-Frost criticised the opposition for hypocrisy regarding migration numbers, arguing their rhetoric ignored the broader economic impact on sectors like health, construction, and education. Miller-Frost highlighted workforce shortages in infrastructure projects and the reliance on skilled migrants in healthcare, noting that 40 per cent of nurses are overseas-born. Miller-Frost stated that arbitrary cuts to migration would reduce GDP and service quality. Miller-Frost argued that the opposition’s focus on agriculture ignored the needs of other industries and the importance of migration for economic growth.

Aldred supported the motion, emphasising the importance of the Gippsland region for national food security and export production. Aldred argued that Ministerial Direction 119 and the pause on Working Holiday Maker visas were exacerbating workforce shortages and productivity challenges. Aldred cited warnings from the National Farmers’ Federation that crops could rot and consumer prices would rise if workforce access was not secured. Aldred highlighted the impact on local farming families and the broader economy, urging support for the motion to address these issues.

Repacholi argued that the motion was a political stunt inconsistent with the opposition’s shifting migration policies. Repacholi noted that net overseas migration had fallen by 45 per cent from its peak under government reforms aimed at fixing a broken system. Repacholi highlighted investments in fee-free TAFE, the Agricultural Workforce Working Group, and the expansion of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. Repacholi stated that the government was building a responsible migration system while the opposition failed to deliver on previous promises.