BASED in Mildura, MADEC Australia says the agricultural and horticultural industries needing a steady supply of seasonal and/or short-term labour are about to hit a hurdle.
Its chief executive Laurence Burt has described the Federal Government decision to end the Harvest Trail Service, one of a range of cuts to agricultural programs delivered as part of the 2024 budget, as “disappointing”.
Mr Burt says the Harvest Trail Service (HTS) helps growers fill short-term harvest roles, often in rural or remote areas where there is a limited local workforce to draw on.
He says HTS – and the accompanying Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) – will cease operation at the end of June.
“During the more than 20 years MADEC has been providing this service we have placed more than 10,000 workers in short-term harvest work each year,” Mr Burt says.
“And MADEC has been instrumental in lobbying and seeking government support in tackling challenges experienced in the agriculture sector, particularly in relation to labour supply.
“We recognise the value of HTS and the vital support it provides to the horticultural and agricultural sectors, and we are disappointed Canberra has taken this position, particularly at a time when labour supply is tight and many growers will be without a labour plan for the upcoming harvest.”
Mr Burt says MADEC will continue to operate its other core services, including the delivery of employment services through the Workforce Australia contract it holds with the government; training and education programs via its RTO; and workforce labour solutions via the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and its work-ready pool of working holiday makers, temporary work visa holders, overseas students and local candidates.
He says HTS will continue to work with growers until June 28.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support and partnership with MADEC over the past 20 years,” Mr Burt says.
“We also wish to thank our wonderful Harvest team employees whose passion and dedication has resulted in the provision of exceptional service and results for our clients and candidates.
“In the coming month clients will receive further communication from MADEC regarding how we can continue to support you with your workforce requirements via our team of agriculture and agriculture-related workforce solution specialists.
“In the meantime, should you require further information and support please contact us via the Harvest Trail contact centre on 1800 062 332.”
