FARMERS and graziers in Western NSW can now apply to recruit low and unskilled seasonal workers from overseas if they have tried and failed to employ Australians.
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The federal government's Seasonal Worker Program has been expanded to cover the "broader agricultural sector", including cattle, sheep, grain and mixed enterprises.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the changes to the program and insists they will benefit many employers in his vast electorate.
"Farming businesses in particular will benefit in regional areas where labour can be in short supply during peak periods," he said.
The federal Department of Employment reports the program contributes to the economic development of participating countries by providing access to work opportunities.
Participating countries include Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
In turn the program supports employers in the agricultural industry and employers in selected locations in the accommodation industry "who can't meet their seasonal labour needs with local jobseekers".
Only low and unskilled positions covered by the Pastoral Award 2010 are part of the expanded program.
The award covers employers and employees working in dairies, hatcheries and piggeries or involved in broadacre, crop, beef or sheep production.
Their tasks can be wide-ranging including feeding, watering, fencing, drenching, harvesting and hay-making.
Mr Coulton is warning employers that they must "test the local job market" before seeking help through the program.
"While we are determined to ensure businesses across Australia have access to the seasonal workers they need, we are equally determined that no Australian misses out on a job," he said.
More than 8600 visas have been issued under the program since mid-2012, supporting about 70 approved employers.
Visa recipients are subject to the same workplace relations and safeguards as Australians.
The department reports that the seasonal workers who come to Australian under the program can "return in following seasons", providing employers access to a reliable and productive workforce.
More information about the Seasonal Worker Program can be found at www.employment.gov.au.