Chronic seasonal labour shortages have long been a problem for the horticulture industry, but as phase two of the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme rolls out, growers have high hopes the situation is about to be turned around.
Recruitment by farmers and labour hire companies has just finished for the program’s second phase, to start in September and which aims to place up to 2400 workers to help over the peak horticulture harvest months.
The pilot was established by the Federal Government a year ago to determine if a seasonal worker program could benefit horticulture employers devoid of local labour – and Pacific island nations, with high unemployment rates.
But, with a lot to be decided, it took six months for the first workers to arrive.
Under the pilot, workers must be employed in accordance with Australian work standards, including being paid award rates and employers paying part of their travel costs in coming here.
As well, growers must demonstrate they had taken “reasonable steps to first recruit Australians”, and labour hire companies must gain government accreditation.
Full story in The Land, August 27.
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