The Federal Government on Sunday announced a three-year pilot seasonal worker scheme in the horticulture industry, where there is a lack of workers to harvest the nation’s fruit and vegetables, with the first Pacific Islanders to land on Australian farms before the end of the year.
Under the trial, a total of up to 2500 visas will be available over the three years for workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to work in Australia for up to seven months in any 12 month period.
Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke, said the pilot would help Australian horticulture industries and could also meet the development needs of our Pacific island neighbours.
The move follows calls for assistance by the horticulture industry, which claims up to $700 million of fresh produce is left to rot because of a lack of reliable workers.
"Fresh Australian fruit and vegetables should be harvested for consumers to enjoy at home and overseas – not left in the field to go to waste," Mr Burke said.
"This seasonal worker proposal was put forward more than five years ago by farmers and regional communities that depend on agriculture.
"Since then there has been widespread consultation, including a Senate inquiry, and increasing support from grower groups.
"The Rudd Government will continue to consider practical options to support our world-class fruit and vegetable industries and regional communities."
The Government has been working with industry groups to identify possible regions for the pilot.
Initial regions being considered include Swan Hill in Victoria and Griffith in NSW.
Further work, including labour market surveys, is now being conducted in these and other regions to better gauge labour demand.
Overseas low-skilled seasonal workers will only be employed after employers have demonstrated that they have first made reasonable efforts to employ Australians.
Employers will be required to commit to participate in programs for the training and career development of Australians who may not yet be job-ready, particularly income support recipients, indigenous Australians and humanitarian job seekers.
Employers must also have a record of compliance with Australian laws.
All low-skilled seasonal workers will be employed in accordance with Australian work standards, including awards.
They will receive the same protection from exploitation as Australian workers.
"Pacific island workers are not a cheap labour option," Mr Burke said.
"Participating employers will pay half of the return air fares, and cover establishment and pastoral care costs involved in bringing Pacific island workers to Australia."
The Government wants to test through the pilot whether a program of this sort could help horticulturists and also aid the development of Pacific island communities through vital employment experience, earnings and opportunities for the seasonal workers to learn valuable skills.
The pilot program will be reviewed after 18 months to ensure it is meeting the needs of rural communities, rural industries and workers.
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