Immigration, Backpackers and Harvest with Senator Jonno Duniam | ON WAFarmers Episode 6

When it comes to immigration policies impacting Australia's productive sector, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the Coalition’s soon to be released full immigration policy open on his desk., Senator Jonathon Duniam, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, reveals the urgent challenges posed by the recent freeze on the 417 Working Holiday Maker ("backpacker") visa program, and what needs to be done to fix it.As harvest fast approaches, farmers across the nation are left wondering: will the government act swiftly enough to process pending applications and secure the workforce they desperately need? Labor is playing the numbers with NOM. One Nation says "just say no". Listen to this fulsome discussion with Senator Duniam, for early insights into where the Coalition immigration settings might land.Sen Duniam wants the automatic processing of $840 applications flicked back on, while the UK stream can stay tighter because those numbers went to the cities, not the paddock.Also in this episode: - is NOM is the wrong metric for backpackers who live in farm quarters?- Labor’s second and third year ballots - will the fee come back if you are not drawn?- future support for a dedicated broadacre visa.- dealing with the productivity versus politics challenge.- and why he once threatened to cross the floor on the backpacker tax.Chapters:00:06 — A Labor family, a Liberal senator, and a note in a box02:18 — They turned the tap off. Harvest is three weeks away06:05 — Cities want fewer people. The regions want skilled workers13:10 — Cut numbers without cutting productivity19:26 — Is NOM the wrong number?25:50 — A broadacre visa, then life after CanberraJoin us ON WAFarmers as we explore these pressing issues that affect not just the farming sector, but the entire Australian economy.Produced for and on behalf of WAFarmers by Mic Fels (2026 Vice President).🌾 BECOME A WAFARMERS MEMBER:Join the voice of Western Australian agriculture and access exclusive representation, advocacy, and member benefits.👉 https://members.wafarmers.org.au/auth/register💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:How are you affected by the current migration problem? Let us know in the comments below, and inour socials @WAFarmers !👍 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell so you never miss an episode of ON WAFarmers.