'Australia jobs could leave Fiji’s sugar industry short of workers'

Australia’s longer-term work opportunities are creating a potential labour shortage for Fiji’s sugar industry, which has historically depended on a large workforce, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Speaking during a sugar consultation at the Vanua Levu Arya Samaj Hall in Namara, Labasa, last week, Mr Rabuka said the industry was already feeling the impact as young Fijians took up employment opportunities in Australia.

He said both skilled and unskilled workers were being granted work permits and were able to remain in Australia for longer periods.

Mr Rabuka said the trend posed a particular challenge for the sugar industry because of its longstanding reliance on labour.

He linked the industry’s current workforce challenges to its history, noting that Fiji’s sugar industry was established through indentured labour.

“The sugar industry was built on indentured labourers,” he said.

Mr Rabuka said many farming families had been involved in sugarcane production for generations and had played an important role in sustaining the industry and supporting communities across Fiji.

He acknowledged the contribution of farmers and said Government remained focused on strengthening the industry and supporting farming communities.

Mr Rabuka said the industry should not be distracted by issues such as privatisation or relocation, but should instead focus on improving its sustainability and supporting those who continued to work in the sector.

He said the Government’s approach was to strengthen the industry while working within the framework established by previous generations of farmers.

The Prime Minister also thanked sugar farmers for their contribution and recognised the industry’s longstanding role in Fiji’s economic and social development.