The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Opinion piece, Senator Susan McDonald: Unions 'commit treason' against Australian farmers

  • Written by Senator Susan McDonald

The farmers of Australia are owed an apology for the way Australian unions are smearing them internationally, and actively sabotaging their attempts to source desperately needed workers to pick crops.

The Australian Workers’ Union’s claims that many Australian farms have “exploitation at the core of their business models” are abhorrent and unfactual.

This view is backed by the ACTU, and both are happy to run down Australia internationally and leave farmers in the lurch.

They are, in effect, committing treason against Australian growers.

The Morrison Government has no less than six strategies in place to attract more workers to help pick crops, but we have the extraordinary situation of union representatives meeting with foreign ambassadors urging them to discourage their citizens from picking Aussie fruit and veg.

These government strategies are backed by horticulture peak body Growcom’s federally funded Fair Farms program which assesses farms’ labour structures via a third party and awards them accreditation as places that look after their workers.

The unions are seizing on a few rogues in the labour hire industry that have exploited workers, but that would be like someone saying the threats, violence, intimidation, trespassing and corruption in some unions means such behaviour is at the core of how unions operate.

The truth is farmers are disgusted by stories of workers being mistreated and refuse to engage labour hire companies with dodgy reputations.

Growcom and other bodies such as the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and FNQ Growers have publicly stated zero tolerance for worker exploitation.

There are laws in place to punish those who mistreat workers, and we continually encourage workers and farmers to report any concerns.

In today’s digital age of instant information sharing, it defies belief that worker exploitation on Australian farms could happen on the scale claimed by unions.

Social media would be awash with images and horror stories, urging their countrymen not to come to Australia for farm work.

It’s not glamorous work, it’s dirty, hot and hard. Some of the accommodation is pretty basic and you may get roused on if you don’t perform.

But before the pandemic, there were 150,000 backpackers in Australia eager to work on farms and experience life in regional communities.

At the peak of the covid crisis, this number dropped to 30,000 but were seeing a gradual increase in this number each month, including from our neighbours in the Pacific who have sent 20,500 people to work on farms, and who still have 35,000 young, fit, healthy people pre-approved for visas and waiting to be called up.

I would urge any farm needing labour to access this Pacific pool and get them processed by their respective state governments ASAP.

To the farmers upset by the actions of trade unions, I encourage you to ignore them and keep holding your heads high.

Despite the unions’ best efforts to demonise you and to sabotage government attempts to alleviate worker shortages, I can say the Liberals and Nationals Government is firmly committed to ensuring you can continue making a living feeding and clothing us and the world.

Susan McDonald is an LNP Senator for Queensland and Special Envoy for Northern Australia

Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design

There is a comfort in finding and being yourself. Video games offer opportunities for this comfort. They all...

Times Magazine

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

The Times Features

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...