Working like slaves
A harvest work contractor in Bundaberg who allegedly deprived his workers of water has attracted substantial media attention over the weekend, shining the spotlight on Australia’s backpacking and working holidaymaker industry again.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported the alleged ill-treatment of at least seven backpackers who told the paper they “felt like slaves” and claimed they were sacked by a harvest work contractor for requesting water.
The contractor at the centre of the scandal, Mehmet “Max” Tosun, who operates East Bundy Backpackers with his wife Calie, refused to speak to the Herald but told the town’s local paper “they need to be told what to do” with his wife adding “I’ve heard people complain about the work, but if they don’t like it they can leave”.
Allegations against Tosun include the sacking of fruitpickers when they request water and evicting them from his hostel despite them having paid for a week’s accommodation in advance.
The Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel (BTAP) is exploring ways to counter the negative publicity and reassure travellers that safe and fairly paid work is available in Australia.
Backpacker Operators Alliance of Victoria (BOAV) board member Peter McMahon said all farm work contractors should be registered.
“All builders, plumbers, electricians and trade contractors have to be registered. If they do something wrong they have to answer for it and their operations are investigated. Farm work contractors shouldn’t be treated any differently,” he said.
