Labour Sending Units Learning Workshop

Seasonal Worker Program Implementation Arrangements are in place between the Australian Government and the Labour Sending Units.  In October 2019, the AEA wrote to Ministers Hawke and Cash expressing concern about the governance of the SWP Implementation arrangements as it has a big impact on the Seasonal Worker Programme.

The Approved Employers of Australia Ltd have had no input into this document which clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Labour Sending Units. This is problematic as it creates significant difficulties and problems that could not have been envisaged when agreements with other countries were made. It is uncertain who is holding the Labour Sending Units to account to ensure they meet their obligations outlined in the Seasonal Worker Programme Implementation Arrangements. 

Following a visit to the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting in New Zealand 7-9 October 2019, the need to arrange a workshop with the LSU’s was highlighted as a priority. In the meantime, the AEA was invited to address some of the key issues at the LSU Learning Workshop in Brisbane 27/11/19.  

The following key challenges between LSU’s and AE’s were highlighted:

-        Lack of joint formal engagement between AE’s & LSU’s

-        Differences in country governance means we must adapt to different rules

-        Cultural diversity & understanding in each country

-        Use of Agents versus work ready/direct recruitment makes it difficult to have a uniform recruiting process

-        Lack of and or insufficient medical screening facilities and resources

-        Variable administrative services & support by each LSU

-        AE’s lack of understanding of pre-departure briefings done in each country

-        Use of social media could result in a breach of company policy in Australia

Some of the challenges the AEA have identified include:

-        Variation in administrative services & support provided

-        Medicals/Police Checks

-        Pre-existing health conditions

-        Hygiene & wellbeing

-        Induction & Training pre-departure

-        Absconding of workers/poor behaviour & performance

-        Claiming of Super

-        Ownership/learning from problems

Several joint initiatives were identified that AE’s and LSU’s can explore in more detail:

-        Understanding & meeting MOU requirements

-        Consistency in administrative support & service

-        Worker wellbeing & integration

-        Skills development & training in Australia & Country/barriers

-        Communication of worker issues between LSU/AE-deaths, emergencies, natural disasters, etc.

-        Pre-departure health declarations/preventative measures

-        Cost reduction-flights, medical, etc. 

-        Liaison Officers-effective communication strategy

-        Identification of leaders for each group

-        Full understanding of LOO content

-        Liaison of pre-departure and return briefings

-        Preparation of worker information-timely/proactively

-        Drug & Alcohol policy and country rules

The issues outlined above were received positively and all in agreement that the AE’s and LSU’s need to work closer together. The LSU’s expressed a great deal of interest in attending a AEA/LSU workshop in April/May 2020.