Farm groups are warning the risk of worker exploitation in the horticulture industry is rising, blaming state governments for not developing plans to bring in foreign workers as the summer harvest heats up.
Australian Fresh Produce Alliance chief executive Michael Rogers said his organisation condemned any worker mistreatment, but financial pressure of a missed harvest may spur some in the industry to "make decisions they shouldn't"."We are advocating for a solution to worker shortages because desperate people need workable solutions," Mr Rogers said.
There are now less than 7000 seasonal workers in the country, and about 40,000 backpackers, who typically work in hospitality as well as agriculture. "Victoria has yet to submit an acceptable plan for the safe arrival of workers as required by the federal government, and other states have chartered no more than four planes, despite having their plans approved."
micksfoley Pay adequate wages. There are workers in Australia. Always were, before the industry learned to scam backpackers
micksfoley Industry known for exploiting backpackers and overseas workers can’t attract local workers due to exploitation. Threatens to exploit workers if they don’t sign up. Sounds like it might work this time...
micksfoley BLM more! What do you expect from the rich ethnically White European farm owners who have been exploiting us, Blackfellas, since their ancestors arrived here as boat people on my Fatherland from their Traditional Land in Europe? Will they exploit their own in the same way?
micksfoley Instead of ‘blaming government’ why don’t farms just not exploit workers 🤷♂️ If you need government guidance, there’s something wrong with your moral compass 🤷♂️
micksfoley Why has the federal government allowed the exploitation of workers on farms