[Greens-Media] Guest workers must be protected

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Monday 18 August 2008

Guest workers must be protected

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed the Federal Government's
Guest Worker Pilot Scheme announced yesterday, but stated that the
rights of workers must be protected.

"While it is pleasing to see the Government provide much needed
assistance and training for our Pacific neighbours, especially with the
injection of money back into their respective communities, we must
ensure that the guest workers are not exploited," said Senator
Hanson-Young.

"Poor housing and contentious pay deductions are two issues that the
Greens will be keeping a close eye on.

"While this scheme will assist in filling labour shortages in industries
such as horticulture, we must ensure that this is about training the
guest workers in new skills, and not taking advantage of cheap labour.

"I commend the Government on this move, and the Greens will be looking
at the detail closely," concluded Senator Hanson-Young. 

For further information please call Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760