Backpackers and temporary visa holders working on farms have been warned they are at risk of being deported if they do not comply with social distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud was loud and clear with his messaging for foreign workers during a press conference on Friday.
“If they are caught flouting the rules, we would cancel their visas and send them home,” he said.
The comments follow a federal government move to allow participants of the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme to extend their stay for up to 12 months.
The announcement was music to the ears of thousands of travellers on working holiday visas scared they could be stuck in Australia with nowhere to work and no flights to return home.
However, Mr Littleproud stressed on Friday any visa extension would amount to nothing if people were caught not doing the right thing.
“Employees have to sign an agreement around social distancing and it would be the up to the states to let the Department of Home Affairs know. If they didn’t follow that, we would cancel any visa holder," he said.
“Each state has its sovereign rights and not every state will want to go to those extents but most states are imposing this.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said it was important to protect farmers and regional communities.
“We want farmers to have their fruit picked and crops sowed continuing as normal,” he told SBS News on Friday.
“Had there been huge outbreaks of in regional Australia where the medical facilities are not as good as in the cities, that was going to prove very difficult.
“For those seasonal or temporary workers, we have changed the rules slightly. As long as they isolate, as long as they stay with the one employer that is going to make a difference for regional Australia.”
Tony Mahar, CEO of the National Farmers Federation, said backpackers would continue to play a major role in the agriculture industry during the coronavirus outbreak.
But, he said, it is important anyone looking to work on a farm takes the right precautions.
“Farmers take very seriously their role in protecting the health and wellbeing of their families, farmworkers and the community, at all times, but especially now,” he said.
“In the interests of protecting all from the spread of COVID-19, it is vital that visa holders take the required measures to protect rural and regional communities, to self-isolate and comply with the relevant state regulations as necessary and that they do not simply turn up at farms seeking work.”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
Additional reporting by Brett Mason.
