Skilled migrants do not take Australian jobs, but fill critical labour shortages, enrich cultural diversity and stem the decline of country towns, agricultural groups say.
Peak farming bodies have urged an inquiry to consider education campaigns on the essential role of skilled migrants, as conservative parties call for caps on overseas arrivals.
The inquiry, which is examining the economic, social and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia, is due to hear from farmers, small business groups and foreign affairs officials at a hearing in Canberra on Friday.
Dairy farmers rely on skilled workers, with more than 40 per cent of operations hiring overseas workers in 2024, according to a joint submission from Australian Dairy Farmers and Dairy Australia.
Public confidence could be strengthened by clear messaging that skilled migration “complements, not replaces, local workers”, the submission said.
“Their presence reduces misconceptions, strengthens social cohesion, fills local schools, contributes to community organisations, and sustains regional service economies.”
Skilled migrants are also key to food security and the availability of fresh produce, the Australian Meat Industry Council’s submission said.
Public awareness campaigns about overseas workers’ value could be backed by community events to reduce misconceptions and help migrants and long-term residents connect, it said.
“Improved understanding would help shift the narrative from a narrow focus on numbers to an appreciation of who migrants are, what skills they bring, and how they keep regional Australia working.”
Labor is facing intensifying pressure from One Nation and the coalition to put a lid on migration to reduce demand for housing and services.
Measures revealed in Tuesday’s budget showed of the 185,000 places allocated for permanent migrants in 2026/27, more than 132,000 will be for skilled workers.
The visa allocations will put downward pressure on net overseas migration, the budget document said.
Anti-immigration rhetoric has resurfaced in recent months.
Since the Bondi massacre in December, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed overseas arrivals are linked to fraying social cohesion.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has promised to only allow arrivals equivalent to the number of homes built in the previous year.
A submission to the inquiry from the National Farmers’ Federation said a sustainable workforce was more important than where it was sourced from.
Skilled migrants often brought valuable international expertise and perspectives, it said.
“Passing on their culture and values can only be of benefit to communities in regional Australia.”
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