COVID-19 restrictions ban seasonal workers from crossing NSW border

Elizabeth Gracie

Seasonal workers who have travelled from overseas countries to pick fruit and harvest produce have been banned from entering NSW if they are travelling from Victoria. 

Victoria is currently experiencing a second wave of the novel coronavirus which has seen the state go back into Stage 3 lockdown measures. 

Australian citizens who are seasonal workers will be able to apply for a permit to cross the border as essential work. Workers on working visas such as the Pacific Labour Scheme and working holiday visas are banned. 

The decision has already had a significant impact on the citrus industry in the Sunraysia region of Victoria who call the border control restriction “illogical and discriminatory”. 

According to industry body Citrus Australia, up to 1,200 people have already been affected. 

When speaking with the ABC, Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Vice President Emma Germano said that we should now expect tremendous issues to arise within the horticulture supply chain if fruit pickers were unable to travel to work across the NSW-Victoria Border. 

“If we’re choosing who’s allowed to move around based on what their visas status or what their passport says, that’s obviously not in line with how the coronavirus has treated us all equally,” said Germano. 

However, NSW Health Minister Adam Marshall said the decision to close the border to international seasonal workers was one made in conjunction with current health advice. 

He does not anticipate any significant nor serious problems with supply for the agriculture industry to arise from this decision. 

“My concern is to make sure the agriculture sector and the food supply chain is able to continue virtually uninterrupted,” said Marshall. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian does not expect the policy to change any time soon and noted that such workers were high risk and thus would not be let into NSW for the foreseeable future. 

It is understood that other workers are encouraged to undertake these vacant seasonal roles to avoid a labour shortage in the state. 
NEWS
April 12, 2025
Innovation, technological solutions and teamwork – those were the themes that comprised the first GrowHer ag-tech event in Rockhampton this week. 
April 12, 2025
Following the biggest first day crowds in decades, it’s officially Day 2 of the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) and excitement is only building! 
April 12, 2025
New Zealand farmers are well-accustomed to turning sunlight into food and fibre. Now, as Mike Casey writes, there’s an opportunity to turn that sunlight into something else that will benefit New Zealand and the rural sector: renewable electricity.
By Crestmead, Queensland (18 March, 2025) April 11, 2025
John Deere has announced new automation and efficiency updates on 2026 model combine harvesters that provide more capabilities and boost productivity by up to 20%* on Australian farms.
March 6, 2025
With efficient and lower emission energy solutions uppermost on farmers’ minds, ELGAS is committed to working with Australia's agricultural sector with LPG.
By Michael Crowley February 10, 2025
Following from another record year for beef production and exports, we anticipate opportunities for Australian beef to continue into 2025, especially in markets like the US which is in a cattle herd rebuild and was our number one export destination for beef in 2024.
Show More