Dr Annie Kwai, Dr Kitty Eggerking, Mr Rico Tupai.
Recently, more than 50 people attended the first Politics in the Pub since Covid put a stop to the regular discussion forum in 2021. The topic was “Overseas Workers (in Australia and Cootamundra); Myth and Reality”
In New South Wales, and elsewhere in the country, there has been a considerable influx of overseas workers, particularly from the Pacific Islands, coming here to work on farms and in abattoirs. ‘It is a Win-Win situation!’, according to our Prime Minister.
Recently there have been reports that this may not be the case. The situation for some workers has been less than ideal. In Cootamundra, we have become used to seeing workers from the AMG abattoir in town.
In the light of the publicity and from curiosity and concern, a crowd met at the Albion Hotel to listen to three speakers and to ask questions. Dr Annie Kwai, a Solomon Island historian and Mr Rico Tupai, a Samoan businessman, have first-hand experience of the countries from which the workers come, the history of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme and the recruitment and conditions of their employment. Dr Kitty Eggerking, a former journalist, is familiar with the New South Wales Government’s Report on Modern Slavery.
Dr Kwai spoke as a historian. Her subject was the ‘recruitment’ of men from her island and other countries of the Pacific in late 1800’s through to the early 1900’s. The young men were taken to work in the cane fields in Queensland. The effect of this practice had a serious impact on the life and culture of the island communities.
The loss of a large number of young men created an imbalance in the communities and a breakdown in the handing on of culture and traditions. Their later return brought an introduction of serious illness and disease, not known before on the islands, as well as issues with alcohol and gambling.
Dr Kwai wondered whether there was enough attention given to the emotional, physical and cultural changes that happened to the Islanders in Cootamundra prior to their return home.
Dr Eggerking gave a summary of the main points of the Modern Slavery Report. It seemed extraordinary that we should be talking about ‘slavery’ in today’s world. However, Dr Eggerking noted ways that workers who were trapped into stressful work situations, their wages reduced, poor living conditions and the inability to change their situation, could be said to be ‘enslaved’.
There was no suggestion that these conditions occurred in Cootamundra, but it was a warning of what was happening elsewhere in NSW.
Mr Rico Tupai is the general manager of labour hire company, Blazing Labour, which is registered with PALM. Mr Tupai’s contribution was particularly important. Blazing Labour is responsible for recruiting workers, mainly from Samoa, negotiating with AMG, the employer, and finding and supervising accommodation. Blazing Labour provides briefings for the workers on Cootamundra and Australian culture and to the nature and roles of work in the abattoir.
Mr Tupai’s assessment of the Samoan workers was very positive. The work situation, the accommodation and community involvement are going well. The workers are involved with local churches, with football teams and other sporting clubs and that connection contributes to the workers’ wellbeing. The opportunity to demonstrate traditional dances and singing are important for the workers themselves and a positive way to connect with the community. He would like to pursue the possibility of cross-cultural sharing.
A question-and-answer session followed the presentations. One question summed up the interest of many present: ‘Given Rico’s positive assessment, what more might we do to ensure the wellbeing of the Pacific workers here in Cootamundra?’
It was felt that the evening’s discussion had been a step in the right direction.
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