Farm jobs for all workers
THE jobs are ripe for the picking on the Tablelands, but a business leader has warned locals need to be as active in their search for work as “aggressive” backpackers.
Yesterday, The Cairns Post reported some Mareeba residents living in social housing felt farmers were favouring foreign employees, and were getting away with illegally paying them lower wages.
But Mareeba and District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association president Joe Moro said it was more likely backpackers were making themselves more available to farmers.
He said backpackers actively went from farm to farm seeking work, whereas any local relying on an employment agency was less likely to be given a chance.
“There are so many backpackers travelling around, looking for jobs,” Mr Moro said. “They make themselves available – they say they’re looking for work, they’re more keen, more aggressive in their approach to getting a job.
“They have no safety net so they’re more physically in the eye of the farmer ... there are some people who just walk on a farm and get a job.”
Mr Moro said he had heard of more farmers who favoured locals over travellers than vice versa.
“There are some farmers that don’t like backpackers because of the language barrier,” he said.
A quick online classifieds search reveals dozens of Tablelands farmers seeking workers, with many encouraging backpackers to apply, but none requesting only foreigners.
Many farmers also offered accommodation or transport, for a price.
Mr Moro, who operates a mango farm near Mareeba, has employed only locals this year, and said he offers transport to those workers who need it.
With mangoes and lychees now in season, Mr Moro said there were jobs to be had, but cautioned the Christmas period was competitive.
“Probably two-thirds of farm workers are locals ... you’ve got people at university on holidays coming back to the area, a lot of 17-year-olds from high school as well,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a preference, I’d say it’s more the fact of being able to get out there and ... wanting to work.
“They’ve just got to go out there, and make themselves known and available to the farmers – that’s what they have to do to get a job.”