Issues raised in relation to the seasonal workers scheme will be investigated.
Minister for Employment Semi Koroilavesau yesterday told Fiji One News the government is in talks with the Australian government.
This follows reports of Fijian seasonal workers in Australia receiving little or no pay after deductions while picking fruit and vegetables for AFS Contracting, in northern Victoria.
It is being reported by ABC Australia that the Fijians have quit working for the contractor that sponsored their temporary visas.
The Fijian seasonal workers were reportedly paid less than $10 a week and have been told they must return to work for the contractor they say exploited them or leave Australia.
“We are talking with the Australian government. This is actually a new scheme, it’s just barely 1 year old and both the Australian and Fijian government have been in continuous discussion in trying to find out the gaps that exist. Basically what has transpired we have mutually agreed with Australia that they will investigate the issues that have been raised and they will submit a copy of the report to us so we can both work together and try and resolve the issues that have been raised by the people we send” said Koroilavesau