Border closures clip shearer shortage

The wool industry is one to benefit from the Agriculture Workers Code, ensure sheep can be shorn.

But the Shears Contractors Association is warning there will be delays, as there’s still a shortage of up to 500 workers.

International border closures will see about 480 New Zealand shearers locked out of Australia, as well as a handful from South Africa and Europe.

Kiwi shearers usually complete about 10 percent of the clip, so it’s a big loss the industry that fears it won’t only lead to delays, but also animal welfare issues with fly strike.

The Agriculture Workers Code will see machinery and workers able to move across Victoria, SA, New South Wales, and territory borders — while WA, Queensland, and Tasmania will keep borders closed.

To find out more Rural Editor Eddie Summerfield spoke Secretary Jason Letchford:

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