From today, seasonal workers who have resided in the defined New South Wales and Victoria border zone, which includes towns such as Mildura, will be able to cross the border daily to undertake farm work in NSW by accessing a border zone resident permit.
In order to access the permit, seasonal workers will be required to declare they have not travelled in Victoria, outside the border zone, in the last 14 days. They will also be required to produce evidence of their place of residence and place of work.
Restrictions on seasonal workers accessing the permit for "critical services" will still apply.
This is an important and progressive move, ensuring our farmers have the workers they need to keep primary production moving in this State, and ensures the $1.4 billion southern horticultural industry has a successful harvest.
I would like to thank the strong support and assistance from industry, particularly Citrus Australia, as we have worked towards a sensible solution to this issue.
