As part of his first official visit to Australia last week, the Prime Minister met with the Queensland Farmer’s Federation and Growcom in Brisbane on Thursday 17th August.
This was to discuss avenues to increase the participation of Solomon Islands Seasonal Workers in Queensland farms.
A statement from Prime Minister Press Secretariat said, the meeting with the Queensland Farmers Federation included the Chairman of Growcom Mr Les Williams, Project Manager of Growcom Ms Michelle Templin and Grower of Growcom Ms Kerry McCarthy.
Growcom is the peak representative body for Queensland horticulture.
Growcom’s membership consists of Queensland’s fruit and vegetable producers and individuals, groups and industries who have a stake or interest in the future of Queensland horticulture.
Ms McCarthy when speaking to the Prime Minister was full of praises for Solomon Islands workers on the McCarthy farm.
The McCarthy Farm is a part of the Seasonal Workers Scheme for Solomon Islands and currently employs, six Solomon Islanders, spoke highly of the Solomon Islanders who worked on her farm and stated that they were loyal, hardworking and trustworthy.
She added that although, the engagements were only for six months, she would be happy to have Solomon Islands engaged for 12 months.
One of the issues discussed was the absence of certain mechanical skills such as tractor and motor vehicle driving knowledge or handling of mechanical tools.
“Solomon Islanders are very capable in carrying out farm work with little supervision. However, it would be a bonus if the workers had drivers’ licenses or were able to drive tractors prior to working in the farms.” Ms McCarthy stated.
The Prime Minister thanked Ms McCarthy, Growcom and the Queensland Farmers Federation for their trust in Solomon Islands workers and also for providing the opportunity to Solomon Islanders to experience farm work in Queensland.
The Prime Minister further stated that the Government will be looking into ways to improve on areas of mutual concern including training and the increase of seasonal workers cycle from 6 months to 12 months.
