Talks were held with the Australian government on how to improve work conditions and increase the number of workers deployed under the Seasonal Work Programme.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate met with Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Concetta Wells and Liberal Senator and Executives of the National Farmers Federation, Zed Seselja in Canberra earlier this week to discuss matters related to the Seasonal Work Programme.

Their discussions focused on improving the conditions and increasing the number of workers deployed to Australian Farms under the programme and current issues that have been addressed by the Employment Ministry.

Mr Usamate also had the opportunity to meet with a group of Fijian workers who were employed with Dahegam Fresh Produce in Canberra, Australia.

He emphasised the importance of working as a team so that they could maximise the benefits of the work opportunities. He thanked the workers and the employer and wished them well.

Mr Usamate was accompanied by Deputy Secretary, Vilimone Baledrokadroka and Labour Standards Service Director Atish Kumar.

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