Tony Burke rejects farmers’ claims that immigration changes will increase food prices
News Source
•Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:00:53 GMT
📰 What Happened
Tony Burke says farmers are wrong to claim that new immigration rules will push up food prices. He said faster processing of backpacker visas will be good for farms.
The farming lobby warned the opposite. It said limits on working holidaymakers could mean emptier shelves and higher prices. It also warned the harvest may not finish before Christmas.
🔍 The Backstory
Working holiday backpackers often pick fruit and vegetables on Australian farms. Growers say they already struggle to find enough workers each season.
Burke's plan also puts a ballot on backpackers who want to stay longer than a year. The government says the plan is careful and will not hurt the economy.
🎯 Why It Matters
If farms cannot find pickers, fresh food can cost more or run short. This argument is really about what ends up on your dinner table.
Tony Burke says farmers are wrong to claim that new immigration rules will push up food prices. He said faster processing of backpacker visas will be good for farms.
The farming lobby warned the opposite. It said limits on working holidaymakers could mean emptier shelves and higher prices. It also warned the harvest may not finish before Christmas.
Working holiday backpackers often pick fruit and vegetables on Australian farms. Growers say they already struggle to find enough workers each season.
Burke's plan also puts a ballot on backpackers who want to stay longer than a year. The government says the plan is careful and will not hurt the economy.
If farms cannot find pickers, fresh food can cost more or run short. This argument is really about what ends up on your dinner table.