North West News

NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION PUSHES FOR RETURN OF BACKPACKERS

The National Farmers Federation is asking the Federal Government to consider the return of international backpackers to Australia.

The organisation estimates backpackers were providing up to 80 percent of the industry’s seasonal workforce prior to the pandemic.

“Ultimately, that’s what we want to get back to – where people can work on a particular farm or a particular region and then, as the season progresses, progress with it, up and down the coast or across the country.. that’s ideally what we want to get back to.”

Federation CEO Tony Mahar has submitted a proposal to see the Working Holiday program restarted, under covid-safe regulations.

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Isobella Evans

Isobella Evans is a journalist with NBN News in Newcastle. After discovering a love for writing in primary school, Bella went on to complete a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle in 2018. She enjoyed a series of internships, including a gig at the Royal Easter Show, before receiving a full-time position at NBN's Tamworth bureau, where she worked for almost three years before moving to the company's Newcastle office in 2021.

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