Closed borders and dwindling migration spell an uncertain future for Australian horticulture

Labor's immigration spokeswoman Kristina Keneally is calling for restrictions on temporary migration in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to "put Australians First". But the horticulture industry is a sign of why it might not be as simple as tightening borders.

Australia’s fruit and vegetable sector is highly dependent on cheap, often underpaid and undocumented migrant labourers. As Crikey reported yesterday, many of these workers are worried unsafe working and living conditions put them at risk of infection.

But with global instability, tightening borders and a lack of movement, Australia’s dependence on these workers could be tested and deepened