Migration and Employment in Regional Victoria

Sunraysia is a long-term destination for migrant workers, including backpackers, seasonal workers, settler migrant communities, Australian citizens, and undocumented migrants. The region’s orchards, vineyards and associated industries have played an important role in attracting labour to the region. However over recent years, the horticultural sector has been in the national spotlight as a site of labour exploitation and other poor or unlawful employment practices. In 2021, the announcement of a new agricultural visa, a Fair Work Commission decision on piece rates and a government campaign on absconding seasonal workers have drawn attention to some of the challenges for horticultural workers and businesses in regional Australia. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply of migrant labour since 2020, highlighting the sector’s reliance on migrants and the need for sustainable policies.