67 seasonal workers to leave for Australia later this month

A farmer from Qamea in Taveuni who is one of the 67 workers selected to work in Australia under the Australia Pacific Labour Scheme says staying away from his family for 9 months will be difficult but it is a sacrifice worth making.

37-year-old Paul Cokanauto says he farms dalo, cassava and yaqona and plans to build his house and expand the business when he returns.

Cokanauto says he will be working as a fruit picker.

26-year-old Shivneel Dalbar who will be starting off as a steward in a restaurant says he was unemployed for about 6 months after losing his job as a process worker last year.

He says he aims to work hard for the next three years and work his way up.

Dalbar adds being away from his family for so long will be hard but he has mentally prepared himself for the challenge ahead.

While speaking at their farewell, Minister for Employment, Parveen Bala reminded the workers that the purpose of leaving behind their family will be to improve their livelihood.

He says workers on good behaviour will open doors for others.

Bala further says Fiji has a good branding in Australia and these workers must maintain it.

He says if the workers have grievances in terms of pay and working condition then they must use the procedures and not take the law in their own hands and act smart.