Queensland growers urge action on Working Holiday Maker visa delays

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) has urged Federal Immigration Minister Tony Burke to address delays and uncertainty within the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program. In a letter sent on 21 August 2026, the organization highlighted that slower visa processing is impacting applications from several partner countries.

QFVG CEO Scott Kompo-Harms emphasized that the horticulture industry is highly seasonal and requires reliable access to workers to coincide with harvest periods. He noted that delays can cause consequences to flow through the entire supply chain, as crops cannot be put on hold while waiting for a workforce.

Queensland’s horticulture sector generated an estimated $4.61 billion in farm-gate value during 2024–25 and supports over 44,000 jobs. During peak periods, seasonal demand can create up to 16,860 temporary full-time equivalent jobs each month. Kompo-Harms argued that the industry should not be caught in broader debates regarding migration numbers, noting that WHM visa holders serve a different role than permanent migrants.