“We enjoy working here at Bindaree Beef and have been well cared for, by our employer and community members here.”
These were the sentiments the Employment Minister and his delegation received while visiting PALM Fijian workers in Inverrell, Australia early this week.
The Fijian workers at Bindaree Beef expressed their satisfaction with their employment, stating that they have been well cared for by both their employer and the local community.
Bindaree Beef is situated in the countryside of New South Wales which is 2 hours from North of Tamworth, and it employs the largest number of Fijian workers, many of whom were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The workers faced various challenges during the pandemic, including psychological stress due to the global crisis and their longing for loved ones back home.
However, consistent support from their employer ensured they had everything necessary during those tough times.
The exemplary performance of some workers and the good relationship they developed with their employer, have resulted in their re-engagement after completing their three-year contracts, and are now in their fourth year on an employer-sponsored visa.
Some of these workers were joined by their families in Australia and spouses have recently found employment opportunities with Bindaree Beef and with other nearby employers.
Upon hearing the positive feedback from the Fijian workers, Minister Singh expressed his gratitude to the management team at Bindaree Beef and the Food Industry People (FIP) Group Recruitment Agency for their commitment and steadfast support to the Fijian workers.
"We are indeed happy with the treatment our workers receive while employed here. We greatly appreciate the positive feedback from the workers and your ongoing dedication to their welfare and compliance with minimum standards," said Minister Singh.
The ministerial delegation from Fiji was joined by the Country Liaison Officer, Mr Diwan Shankar, representatives from the Australian Department of Workplace Relations and the Australian Workers Union.
Three teams from the Employment Ministry are visiting Fijian workers across various states (Western Australia; Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales) in Australia.
Over 300 workplaces throughout Australia are employing more than 4,000 Fijian workers under the PALM scheme.