Agricultural Sector Labour Shortages

In reply to the Hon. J.S. LEE (2 June 2022).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I thank the honourable member for her question and provide the following response:

The government of South Australia is focused on increasing the total supply of workers available to work in the agricultural sector, rather than asking industry to quantify the shortage of workers at a particular point in time.

The government has recently introduced the ten-pound Pom scheme to bring more working holiday-makers back to South Australia as another source of labour for our agricultural and regional industries.

In addition, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions continues to partner with the eight South Australian Regional Development Australia Associations in the delivery of the $1.2 million Regional Work SA project.

This project helps match those seeking work in our regions with employers with vacancies available.

The Regional Development Australia Associations have also been working with organisations such as StudyAdelaide to host regional visits for tertiary students and promote work and lifestyle opportunities.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions will continue to work with the commonwealth government to assist our primary industry sector address workforce shortages.