As primary production in Western Australia has evolved and technology has progressed, the need for full-time equivalent (FTE) staff has continued to decline, and that smaller pool of workers is needed to do increasingly sophisticated tasks.

Key points

• Technology has reduced the demand for labour on the land; however, there will always be a need for low-skilled, seasonal workers.
• The Working Holiday Visa Scheme provides short-stay workers, however, it is not a perfect system.
• Attracting, training and retaining seasonal workers (aka backpackers) is a challenge that WA grain growers will continue to face.
• Effective communication and easily repeatable induction processes are critical.

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Region West

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