SafeWork NSW inspections identified 44 safety violations on farms in the state

During raids initiated following reports of forced labor cases in the fruit harvesting industry, the agency issued more than 40 safety notices to businesses and labor hire agencies. Five companies operating on the Coffs Coast were ordered to cease operations at specific production sites due to identified risks to employees.

Representatives of SafeWork NSW conducted awareness-raising work with employers and staff, focusing on workers' rights and the functioning of safety systems. Furthermore, the agency has begun training inspectors to identify signs of modern slavery. As part of compliance monitoring, inspectors provided farms with a list of necessary measures and set deadlines for their implementation, after which follow-up inspections will be conducted. All information relevant to the identified offenses has been referred to the Australian Federal Police.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis stated the need to combat unscrupulous market operators. The state government emphasizes the importance of coordinating actions between state and federal agencies, especially in the berry harvesting sector. Sophie Cotsis noted the difficulty in obtaining information from workers, many of whom fear reporting violations due to the threat of persecution. Authorities are providing support through the Migrant Worker Centre, which informs employees within local communities.

To date, the state government is considering options for implementing its own labor hire regulation scheme. Additionally, it is reported that the number of SafeWork inspectors will be increased to strengthen oversight in the sector.