Statement on today's ABC report
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) supports fair, lawful and respectful workplaces across the horticulture industry. Where workplace laws have been breached, those responsible should be held accountable.
The vast majority of growers are committed to doing the right thing, and it is important to recognise that the actions of a minority should not be taken as representative of the broader industry.
Growers also have an important role to play in undertaking due diligence when engaging labour hire providers. They should be confident that the businesses supplying their workforce are operating lawfully and meeting their obligations to workers.
QFVG continues to advocate for a nationally consistent labour hire licensing framework that better protects workers, improves transparency and accountability, and creates a level playing field for legitimate businesses. A national scheme would provide greater consistency across jurisdictions, reducing gaps between state-based licensing arrangements while ensuring labour hire providers meet the same expectations regardless of where they operate.
QFVG believes eligibility for a labour hire licence should include mandatory training and a demonstrated understanding of Australia's workplace laws. Raising the standard for entry into the industry would help protect workers, ensure labour hire providers understand their legal obligations, and give growers greater confidence when engaging their services.
QFVG also supports the Fair Farms Labour Hire Certification Scheme, which provides growers with an independent way to identify labour hire providers that have demonstrated they meet recognised workplace standards.
Queensland's fruit and vegetable industry relies on a skilled and valued workforce. QFVG will continue working with growers, governments and industry partners to support good employment practices and maintain confidence in Australia's horticulture sector.
