You all have the same work rights and responsibilities as any other Australian worker.
Acting Employment Minister Filimoni Vosarogo reiterated this while addressing 62 Fijians expected to leave soon to work in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM).
“Some of you here today will be away from home for nine months and some for four years,” he said.
“Some of you may be first-time travellers to Australia, from your village and community to the bright lights of Australia.
“Let me remind you this afternoon that you all have the same work rights and responsibilities as any other Australian worker. You have the same leave, allowances, and workplace training entitlement.
“You are protected under the Fair Work Act, Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, and the Fair Work Commission which includes the Fair Work Ombudsman.
“You can contact them whenever you need assistance.”
He said all PALM workers also had additional welfare benefits such as the PALM Support Service which they could access on 1800 51 51 31.
“This service is available to you 24 hours a day and seven days a week.”
He reminded them to contact the National Employment Centre (NEC) through the Foreign Employment Service if they could not access assistance in Australia.
