Burke Rejects Farmers' Warning That Visa Curbs Will Raise Food Prices

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, unveiling reforms on 17 September, rejected farmers' warnings Labor's immigration overhaul would raise food prices. National Farmers Federation chief Mike Guerin said labour shortages could disrupt harvests before Christmas. Burke pointed to workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme — a Pacific farm-work program — as cover, plus faster processing for first-year backpackers.