Australia’s horticulture industry plays a critical role in the nation’s economy, providing fresh produce both domestically and internationally. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges in securing the skilled labour necessary to sustain and grow its operations. To address this, the Australian government introduced the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement on 1 January 2020, a strategic initiative designed to enable employers to access skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers when appropriately qualified Australians are unavailable.
Overview of the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement
The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement is a specialised framework that allows employers within the horticulture sector to sponsor overseas workers for various skilled visas. These visas include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482): This visa permits workers to stay in Australia for up to four years, with a pathway to permanent residency after two years of employment.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494): This visa is intended for regional areas and provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years, through Subclass 191 visa.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186): This visa grants permanent residency after a three- or four-year transitional period on a TSS visa—three years for approved Skill Level 1-3 occupations and four years for approved Skill Level 4-5 occupations.
Key Benefits and Concessions
The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement offers several important concessions that make it an attractive option for employers and workers alike:
- Financial Incentives: Employers can benefit from a discount of up to 10% on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), easing the financial burden of hiring skilled workers.
- Comprehensive Compensation Packages: Employers can include a broader range of monetary and non-monetary benefits, such as accommodation, as part of the guaranteed earnings for workers.
- English Language Flexibility: The agreement allows for reduced English language requirements, making it more accessible for skilled workers globally. For the TSS visa—overseas workers must score at least IELTS 5.0 overall, and at least IELTS 4.0 in each individual component score. For the ENS and SESR visas—overseas workers must score at least IELTS 5.0 overall, and at least IELTS 4.5 in each individual component score.
- Age Concessions: Workers up to 50 years of age can apply for certain visas under this agreement, providing greater flexibility for both employers and employees.
These concessions are particularly beneficial for employers in regional Australia, where attracting skilled labour can be more challenging due to the lower cost of living and wages.
Occupations Covered Under the Agreement
The agreement allows for the sponsorship of 31 critical occupations essential to the horticulture industry, with some examples being Irrigation Designer/Manager, Agriculture Technician, Horticulture Farm Manager, and Horticulture Grower. The comprehensive list of all occupations and their ANZCO codes can be found here.
By enabling the recruitment of skilled professionals in these roles, the agreement supports the ongoing growth and sustainability of rural and regional communities.
Why This Agreement Matters
The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement is a crucial tool for ensuring that Australia’s horticulture sector remains competitive and sustainable. By providing a clear and structured pathway for skilled migration, this agreement helps to fill critical labour shortages, supporting the industry’s capacity to meet demand both now and in the future.
Next Steps
For employers in the horticulture sector, the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement represents an important opportunity to address workforce challenges. We encourage those interested to explore how this agreement can benefit their business operations and to assess their eligibility for the relevant visa options. Our migration experts at Migration Affairs will be able to assist you in exploring the most suitable option for you.
