Mixed reaction to Australian seasonal workers plan
Updated
Pacific Islanders could be one step closer to working in Australia following the announcement that Australia is considerring a seasonal workers scheme. Australian farming groups have welcomed the news, saying it's a long overdue solution to a chronic labour shortage, particularly in rural and regional areas. Australian unions are concerned foreign workers will take Australian jobs but farmers say Australians don't want the mainly low skilled, labour intensive jobs - and they have thousands of vacancies to prove it. The Australian government says the debate is premature, that no announcements have been made and none will until the results of New Zealands recently implemented program can be clearly seen.
presenter: Megan Flamer
Speakers: National Farmers Federation workplace manager Denita Wawn; Australia's Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans
