Australia will pursue “every single dollar” owed to Pacific workers following the collapse of a company under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says.
Responding to questions in Suva, Mr Conroy acknowledged serious concerns after the company reportedly collapsed owing about $12 million, including millions in unpaid superannuation and allegations of worker welfare breaches.
“I’m very aware of that particular company and I’m urging the authorities to throw the book at them and to pursue every single dollar of unpaid wages and superannuation,” Mr Conroy said.
He said the Australian Government had already introduced changes to strengthen protections for workers, including reforms to how superannuation is paid.
“We’ve recently made changes to the way superannuation is paid that will give greater certainty and security to all workers in Australia, including Pacific workers,” he said.
Mr Conroy stressed that Pacific workers must be treated equally under Australian law.
“A fundamental principle of this government is that we will treat Pacific workers exactly the same as an Australian worker,” he said.
He added that authorities would continue to investigate the company’s conduct and support affected workers.
“We will continue to pursue that particular company for any wrongdoing and breaches. We will continue to work with the workers that are impacted,” he said.
Mr Conroy also expressed appreciation to Pacific workers, including Fijians, for their contribution to Australia’s economy.
“I want to finish where I began, by thanking Fijians and their families for working in Australia, for helping grow our economy while getting skills and income to help grow the Fijian economy,” he said.
The PALM Scheme allows Pacific workers to take up temporary employment in Australia, particularly in agriculture and regional industries.
