Farmers need more than a bubble

Sep 22, 2020 | Media Releases 2020

Nationals Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey has welcomed an announcement from the Queensland State Government which would see the border bubble extended to include northern NSW.

From October one, Ballina, Bryon Bay, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes will be included in the border bubble, allowing residents to travel within the area.

Senator Davey said while this is fantastic news for residents on the Queensland/NSW border, the focus now must be on allowing all farmers to go about their day-to-day work and for all states to sign up to the National Agriculture Workers Code.

“Queensland should now look to signing-up to the national Ag Code, which NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT have all agreed to,” Senator Davey said.

“The closed borders are preventing many farm businesses and supply chains from travelling from one COVID-free zone to another.

“I urge the Queensland Premier to re-consider and adopt the code so our agricultural workers can continue to put food on our tables and clothes on our back.

“We owe it to our farmers and ag workers to do all we can to help them adapt and keep running their businesses, while following the safety guidelines set out by health officials.”