Treatment of farm workers examined

MEMBERS of the Bundaberg farming industry will welcome the arrival of a Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman team today during their week-long visit to examine the treatment of farm workers in the region.

Ombudsman Don Brown announced last month he would revisit the Bundaberg region following a series of stories in the NewsMail about the alleged mistreatment of fruit pickers, particularly foreign backpackers.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Grows executive officer Peter Peterson said he was looking forward to a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, which would help determine the future direction of the industry.

“At the end of the day it’s about making sure employees and contractors understand their rights and obligations regarding staff and how they are treated,” he said.

“It’s disappointing that we are back to this point, but that is why we welcome the ombudsman.”

Mr Peterson said while the ombudsman’s last visit had been worthwhile, working conditions had since deteriorated.

“Circumstances have changed since his last visit,” he said.

“There has been growth in the number of contractors and labour-hire companies.”

Mr Brown will hold four stakeholder meetings over two days to educate local growers, discuss solutions and allow employees to voice their concerns.

His staff will spend the rest of the week carrying out investigations.

The stakeholder sessions will be as follows:

WEDNESDAY

Noon to 2pm: Stakeholder agency meeting (by invitation only), working lunch followed by afternoon session at Bundaberg Regional Council offices. Attendees will include mayor Lorraine Pyefinch and council officers, representatives from agencies and organisations including Fair Work Ombudsman, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Queensland Police Service, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Queensland Transport, Office of Fair Trading, National Harvest Labour Information Service and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers.

6pm: Fruit and veg workers meeting for backpackers and locals working in the industry. Bundaberg Bowls Club, Quay Street, snacks provided.

THURSDAY

10am to noon: Growers meeting, Bundaberg Bowls Club, Quay Street.

2pm to 4pm: Labour hire and contractors (fruit and veg industry) meeting – Bundaberg Bowls Club, Quay Street.

For more information, call 1300 737841.