The Samoa Government is demanding a report from the Seasonal Worker’s Division over alleged mistreatment of Samoans in Australia.
Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo in an interview with Radio Polynesia, the Government does not tolerate the exploitation of Samoa seasonal workers.
This follows media reports in Australia that some Pacific Islander workersfeel like they are being "treated like slaves" as fruit pickers in Australia under the Seasonal Worker Programme.
The Minister expressed disappointment after reading the news articles out of Australia.
To date there are close to 2,000 samoans in New Zealand and Australia under the seasonal worker scheme.
Leatinu'u said after reading the news article in the way these workers are currently handled or treated in these workers mobility programs in Australia.
He said the Government does not tolerate the exploitation of our RSE workers in Australia for that matter.
The Minister has penned down his concerns to the CEO of MCIL Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling and the head of the Seasonal Worker’s Division, Lemalu Nele for "an urgent report" to pertaining to these issues.
The Minister said that Cabinet will be briefed for an urgent decision to this disturbing matter; adding that a full review of the program will deliberated.
He reiterated his disappointed and upset about the whole situation regarding the treatment of our RSE workers currently in Australia and await a report from the relevant Ministry to determine if the media reports are true.
