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Bringing in backpackers is not the right way to get more workers onto farms

Written by Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

The prime minister appears to want to make it easier for backpackers to work on Australian farms.Shutterstock

Suddenly, getting workers onto farms is a top political priority.

Over the weekend, and again in parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced plans to get more backpackers working on farms.

We don’t yet have the details...

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Bringing in backpackers is not the right way to get more workers onto farms

Amid an Olympic boom, it’s risky timing to lift a ban on developers’ political donations

What exactly is inflation, and are interest rates the only option for dealing with it?

Why doing “more” at work isn’t working and what we actually need instead, according to Australia's newest leadership book

How cutting the capital gains tax discount could help rebalance the housing market

Rebuilding after a disaster is a long road. Lismore’s businesses offer hope for others

AI isn’t likely to wipe out all farming jobs – but it is changing who bears the risks

Traditions of Rural Bali at Villa Sabana

Essential Reasons to Opt for a Professional Valuation Before Selling Your Commercial Property

More households than ever are under-insured. Here’s what needs to be done

billions more for benefits, but one eye on the bottom line

Criminal charges against banking 'cartels' show Australia is getting tough on competition law

UNSW launches plan to help Aussie startups scale overseas

Payroll Under Pressure: Why Mid-Sized SMEs Struggle to Keep Pay Accurate

Refunds to Revenue: AI and loyalty perks help retailers in post-holiday hangover

Stop reading from the script: Why authenticity is the customer success secret weapon

From Check-in to Touchdown: How AI and smarter systems are transforming the travel industry

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