Australia's Pacific-friendly Seasonal Worker Programme could again be under threat, with proposals surfacing for another new agriculture visa.
Foreign minister Marisse Payne last month stepped in to quash a proposed agricultural visa, which would have allowed workers from countries other than the Pacific, after the region's leaders protested.
Now, the government's coalition partner, the Nationals, are said to have proposed a backpackers visa to address a large shortage of workers in regional Australia.
The Australian National University's Stephen Howes says this would again threaten the programme for the Pacific.
He told Jamie Tahana the best solution for both would be to expand the seasonal worker programme.
A man from Vanuatu works in a Hawke's Bay orchard under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
