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The federal government has flagged filling gaps in essential service roles with temporary visa holders, older Australians and the unemployed.
Acting Small Business Minister Anne Ruston met with industry groups on Tuesday night to discuss disruptions to a range of industries caused by thousands of workers being affected by COVID-19.
Further meetings are being held with Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday ahead of a national cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Anne Ruston has touted using temporary visa holders and people on the dole to fill worker shortages
'A very high number of the workforce are currently furloughed either because they have COVID, are caring for someone with COVID or are a close contact,' Senator Ruston told Sky News on Wednesday.
'(We are) working through ways to make sure our essential services, currently food and grocery are our number one priority ... keep moving.'
Senator Ruston said the government was working towards 'unshackling' employment opportunities for cohorts like temporary visa holders and those on unemployment benefits.
'Anybody who is currently on unemployment benefits who is able to work, we would be really keen for them to
