BREEDING FORUM

Posted: **Wed Jan 17, 2018 3:48 am**

The Australian Federal Government's announcement regarding enhanced access to 'Horse Breeder' visas was warmly welcomed by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA). The decision follows a lobbying campaign led by TBA to put the 'Horse Breeder' occupation category on the medium and long term strategic skills list (MTSSL) for the purposes of 457 visas. By putting 'Horse Breeder' on the medium and long-term list, visa holders can work in Australia for up to four years and also have a path to permanent residency – rather than being required to leave the country after just two years under existing arrangements." Access to skilled staff is one of the biggest issues in the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry and that is why TBA has been closely engaged with the government and Members of Parliament to bring about this key decision," TBA CEO Tom Reilly said. "TBA would like to thank Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, their advisers and other Members of Parliament who greatly assisted our industry on this issue." Reilly said TBA undertook significant work, including with other industry stakeholders, to see this decision come to fruition.