Australia’s largest representative body for the produce industry has slammed a draft migration bill, saying it shows the federal government will unnecessarily target the industry.
Ausveg says the Migration Amendment Bill 2012 released last week by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, will negatively impact one of Australia’s most important industries.
“Federal Government plans to target growers under immigration reforms that are manifestly unfair,” AUSVEG said.
While the government maintains that the new laws aim to deter and punish employers who hire illegal workers, Ausveg says their concerns are unfounded.
“Illegal workers undermine the integrity of Australia’s migration program, reduce work opportunities for Australians, and expose vulnerable workers to exploitation,” Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, said.
Ausveg said heavy reliance on foreign workers for seasonable work through labour hire companies is vital to ensuring the profitability of the industry and that the draft Bill is unfarly targeting the produce industry.
“These workers must adhere to strict visa conditions in order to work legally on Australian farms, however, the proposed Bill appears to place additional responsibility with vegetable growers to double check the legalities,” Ausveg chief executive Richard Mulcahy said.
Image: The ABC