There are misconceptions and there are two distinctive groups of workers: Koroilavesau

Minister for Employment Semi Koroilavesau says he will be reviewing the recruitment process for the Australian Seasonal Work Programme when he returns.

He has been meeting with relevant stakeholders and his counterparts in Australia after controversial issues were raised by some Fijians in the  Australian Seasonal Work programme.

“There are misconceptions and there are two distinctive groups, the ones that are enjoying their work and earning a lot as they come from the rural and are already used to hard work on their farms in Fiji,” Mr Koroilavesau.

“The others who are not from the rural areas and are not used to hard physical farm work under the normal conditions in rural isolated farming communitie.”

He said it was imperative to understand the type of work and the environment that our people were coming to work in to better prepare us in selecting the workers.

“The workers that are left are very happy and have expressed their disappointment with the misinformation that has come from the workers that have walked off.

“They have also expressed their disappointment with the outside influence that has come from the members of the Fijian communities here in Melbourne.

“I have discussed this with the community and church leaders in Mildura.

“I need to find a way to deal with our communities here in Shepparton and Melbourne.”

He will be meeting with other unions today.

Edited by Filipe Naigulevu

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