By Aneeka Simonis
FARM groups have strongly criticised the use of illegal foreign labour as the nation’s largest asparagus grower is investigated for allegedly using dozens of illegal migrant workers.
More than 60 foreign workers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand are expected to be deported after they were allegedly detected at Vizzarri Farms in Kooweerup during a large-scale joint raid by the Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) on Friday 2 December.
ABF investigators also seized more than $400,000 in cash, which was discovered in two safes hidden behind a secret wall panel at the premises of a “labour hire intermediary“.
The grower supplies to major supermarkets including Coles and Woolworths.
More than 80 ABF officers descended on the Healesville-Kooweerup Road property on Friday as part of co-ordinated Taskforce Cadena operation.
Illegal workers reportedly tried to flee officers by running into the surrounding long grass.
Some 61 illegal workers were detained, and taken to the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation.
AUSVEG spokesman Shaun Lindhe slammed growers who knowingly took on illegal labour, and renewed calls for major reform with the industry.
“The majority of growers in our industry conduct their businesses fairly and in accordance with the law,” he said.
The joint investigation followed on from a tip-off provided to ABF investigators about labour hire practices at the Kooweerup asparagus farm.
It led to several search warrants at multiple sites including the farm and a labour hire intermediary where the $400,000 in hidden cash was discovered.
A Vizzarri spokesman said they expected to release a statement about the raid, and related employment issues, by the end of the week. They are currently consulting with solicitors.
People involved in the organisation of visa fraud and illegal work can face penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment or fines of up to $100,000.
Those found guilty of exploiting workers are liable for civil penalties of up to $10,800 per breach for a natural person or $54,000 for a corporation.
Investigations into Vizzarri Farms and the detained foreign workers are ongoing.
“Evidence obtained during the operation will be used to continue investigations into the employer’s use of labour hire intermediaries to source unlawful non-citizens or lawful non-citizens in breach of work conditions,” read a statement by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
“The ABF, in conjunction with the FWO, are also investigating claims of under payments related to the illegal employment of foreign nationals at the site.”
Some 36 Indonesian nationals, 22 Malaysians, 2 Cambodians and 1 Thai national were detained following the raids.
AUSVEG called for a labour hire register and licensing scheme to stamp out illegal employment.
Kooweerup asparagus growers Motta Produce and Momack Produce were also contacted for comment, but declined.
