Growcom supports Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton’s statement this fortnight that those who employ illegal farm workers and abuse working holiday maker visa programs should continue to be investigated and prosecuted.
This follows the detention and removal last week by the federal Department of Immigration of nearly 30 farm workers on a strawberry farm on the Granite Belt.
While most growers are doing the right thing, there are a few bad apples who are tarnishing the horticulture industry’s reputation and driving down prices for fruit and vegetables by undercutting their neighbours.
There are no excuses for growers doing the wrong thing, either directly or through unscrupulous Labour Hire Contractors where backpackers are underpaid and exploited and visa fraud committed. There are plenty of opportunities for growers to educate themselves and get their operation in order through us.
Growcom continues to work diligently with growers to ensure they are informed of their obligations.
We currently have Workplace Essentials Seminars running in major horticultural areas in Queensland. Growers who are not sure whether what they are doing meets their obligations should attend or ring us for advice. Growers need only visit the Growcom website - www.growcom.com.au/events/ - to find a workshop near them, including a meeting in Stanthorpe on 23 March.
The Fair Work Ombudsman holds growers responsible for ensuring that people working on their farms, whether directly employed or via a labour hire provider, are receiving the correct entitlements. There is a clear avenue for action where intent to enter into a sub-standard arrangement can be shown.
Growers need to enter into a written agreement with a labour hire company which clearly establishes the respective rights and responsibilities of each party, including correct payment of wages, superannuation and WorkCover, as well as visa checking.