Citrus Australia has endorsed the Fair Work Ombudsman's (FWO) latest findings on workplace law breaches in the horticulture sector, welcoming renewed efforts to target non-compliance. The FWO report, released following a three-year investigation into over 500 employers, highlights key problem areas within the industry, particularly among labour hire providers, but also notes positive improvements in some regions, including Queensland.
The FWO has announced a follow-up campaign focused on inspecting labour hire providers, the sector identified as the least compliant. According to the report, 91% of infringement notices were issued to labour hire firms.
Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock acknowledged that while the industry still has work to do, the report reflects a growing willingness among growers to engage with regulators and correct shortcomings. "I welcome the ombudsman's announcement saying they will work closely with industry bodies to continue improving compliance," Hancock said. "We want to continue to improve public perception of the industry through transparent improvements."
Hancock also reiterated the need for a national labour hire licensing scheme. "The report shows that bad actors in the labour hire sector continue to exploit weak laws and under-resourced departments. Workers and growers are being taken advantage of, while bad actors pocket the cash and disappear, only to re-emerge under a new name."
He pointed to Queensland as a model for improvement, crediting better compliance outcomes to efforts by the state's labour hire regulator and collaboration with industry bodies such as Queensland Fruit & Veg, Fair Farms, and Berries Australia. "This shows there's a good synergy and perhaps a model we could all get behind," he said.
Hancock affirmed Citrus Australia's commitment to working with the FWO and other state regulators. "There's no room for bad actors in our industry. We don't want to see anyone taken advantage of. We will work to educate and support our growers so we can continue to be an industry of trusted employers."
For more information:
Sarah C Porter
Citrus Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 438 358 787
Email: [email protected]
www.citrusaustralia.com.au
