Published Thursday, 04 January, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
POSITIVE TALKS AT BANANA INDUSTRY SUMMIT HELD IN CAIRNS
A summit between the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and Federal and State Government representatives was held in Cairns today to discuss labour supply issues as Far North Queensland heads into its first peak picking season after Cyclone Larry.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel chaired the meeting and said it was an important opportunity to listen to grower associations, discuss areas where assistance has been offered and identify possible areas of further support.
“One of the main aims of the $18.56 million Cyclone Larry Employment Assistance Package was to provide employment opportunities for local workers so they wouldn’t have to leave the region to find jobs,” Mr Mickel said.
“Today we have heard the Australian Banana Growers’ Council estimate a labour shortage of between 800 to 1200 workers later this month when the picking season is at its busiest.
“A lack of affordable accommodation for itinerant workers and backpackers, and existing workers being drawn to other fields like construction and mining are just two issues contributing to the shortage of workers for the banana industry.
“Today we also discussed how some local unemployed people might not have the skills to immediately start banana picking because of its intensive nature.
“To date we have supported the region’s farmers in many ways including funding four local Cyclone Relief Co-ordinators, and today I announced the new Banana Industry Training Pathways Project that will help local jobseekers gain skills suited to the industry.
“But this summit has highlighted areas where government might be able to do more this season - in particular helping farmers connect with employment agencies to be able to better access existing services and the local labour force.
“A lot of work has been done to help the banana industry get back into gear after Cyclone Larry’s destruction but now, with information from today’s summit, we know there is more to do to help the industry fully recover and move forward.”
Media Contact: Chris Brown on 3224 7349
January 4, 2007
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel chaired the meeting and said it was an important opportunity to listen to grower associations, discuss areas where assistance has been offered and identify possible areas of further support.
“One of the main aims of the $18.56 million Cyclone Larry Employment Assistance Package was to provide employment opportunities for local workers so they wouldn’t have to leave the region to find jobs,” Mr Mickel said.
“Today we have heard the Australian Banana Growers’ Council estimate a labour shortage of between 800 to 1200 workers later this month when the picking season is at its busiest.
“A lack of affordable accommodation for itinerant workers and backpackers, and existing workers being drawn to other fields like construction and mining are just two issues contributing to the shortage of workers for the banana industry.
“Today we also discussed how some local unemployed people might not have the skills to immediately start banana picking because of its intensive nature.
“To date we have supported the region’s farmers in many ways including funding four local Cyclone Relief Co-ordinators, and today I announced the new Banana Industry Training Pathways Project that will help local jobseekers gain skills suited to the industry.
“But this summit has highlighted areas where government might be able to do more this season - in particular helping farmers connect with employment agencies to be able to better access existing services and the local labour force.
“A lot of work has been done to help the banana industry get back into gear after Cyclone Larry’s destruction but now, with information from today’s summit, we know there is more to do to help the industry fully recover and move forward.”
Media Contact: Chris Brown on 3224 7349
January 4, 2007