Parishes and Stakeholders Providing Pastoral Care for Seasonal Workers Network
The newly formed national network held an online, introductory meeting on 3 March. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) and Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) are convening the sessions. The purpose of the network is to work closely with the parishes and stakeholders who provide pastoral care for seasonal workers, assist with information sharing, capability-building and networking to better understand and facilitate the concerns and welfare of seasonal workers.
Many of the seasonal workers come from our neighbouring countries, including the Pacific islands. Like many others they are facing significant challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, workplace conditions, possible exploitation, poor accommodation, and hidden deductions from their salaries. In June 2016, Judge Jarrett in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in Brisbane, heard one of the workers from Vanuatu lament: “Working for my boss was like slavery times.” More than just a statement, it is a sad reality which continues to this day.
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