One of the strongest messages ABGC is hearing from these agencies is simply that reporting matters.

Growers and workers may not always see what happens after they make a report. However, ABGC has been assured that significant work happens behind the scenes and information from growers and workers helps agencies build intelligence, identify patterns and take action.

A recent Fair Work Ombudsman case is one example of compliance action being taken in agriculture. A former Queensland labour hire provider and its manager were ordered to pay more than $180,000 in penalties after providing false and misleading records during a Fair Work investigation involving workers on a Queensland farm. Read the Fair Work Ombudsman update here.

If something isn’t right, report it

ABGC understands growers can become frustrated when they report concerns but don’t hear what happens next. That’s why better feedback to growers about enforcement activity and outcomes is one of the areas we are continuing to raise with agencies.

At the same time, growers have an important role to play. Reports help authorities understand what is happening on the ground and give them the information they need to investigate and target enforcement activity.

If you are aware of suspicious activity, illegal employment, worker exploitation or PALM worker disengagement, please report it.

Australian Border Force – Border Watch 1800 009 623 Reports can be made anonymously through Border Watch.

PALM Scheme Support Line 1800 515 131

Fair Work Ombudsman 13 13 94

ABGC will continue working with these agencies to seek practical solutions to banana industry workforce access and retention issues.

The message from agencies is clear: if something doesn’t look right, report it. Your information can help turn concerns on the ground into enforcement action.