For the second time within a year, Seeka Australia Pty Ltd, an “Approved Employer” (AE) under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme is reaching out to Fiji for help in meeting its shortage of workers in the horticulture industry.
The Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Osea Cawaru received a courtesy visit from Seeka’s General Manager Operations, Mr Jonathan Van Popering and the People and Workforce Manager, Ms Megan Pellegrino yesterday (10/08/22).
Mr Cawaru welcomed and acknowledged the employer on behalf of the Fijian Government, for taking the time to visit Fiji and to meet with the team to recruit potential Fijian workers for more employment opportunities in Australia in the horticulture industry.
Ms Pellegrino also thanked the Fijian Government for the continued support and highlighted that they are interviewing a total of 80 registered Fijians to fill 60 positions that are urgently required for the duration of nine (9) months for the Agriculture Industry.
“The selected 60 Fijian workers will be working in fruit picking, packing, planting and general labour on Kiwi fruit farms, Pear Orchards and other types of fruits that are in season. In rewarding one of our best performers currently in Australia, this Fijian worker is nominating 10 registered Fijians as referrals due to his good performance,” highlighted Ms Pellegrino.
“The 27 Fijian seasonal workers that were deployed for work last year, will be returning to Fiji in October and the good performers will be returning to Australia once they complete their stand-down period to spend time with their families,” added Ms Pellegrino.
PS Cawaru reassured the employer that the Ministry will continue to follow its processes in ensuring that Fiji provides the best candidates in terms of labour supply to overseas employers.
A criterion for selection by Seeka is those that have prior experience in the agriculture industry including those that are willing to learn, have the right attitude and willingness to adapt to the new working environment.
Mr Popering added that the company is looking to recruit more registered Fijians in the near future as it expands its operations.
Seeka’s operations are located in Bunbartha, a town in Victoria, Australia.