They came from Vanuatu. Over 100 seasonal workers, come to pick fruit, and earn money to send home to their families. It was meant to be a win-win for workers and for Australian farmers. A fair go.

Instead, they were exploited. “Deductions” were taken from their payslips and paid to the employer. When they tried to join their union, they were pressured to quit - and had resignation forms pressed upon them.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) can fight these abuses. But they need more power. A bill recently introduced to Parliament will help by increasing penalties for employers who don’t keep records and increasing the FWO’s investigate powers. It will mean more protection for the rights of seasonal workers in Australia.

Sign our petition: no more exploiting seasonal workers!

The exploitation of migrant workers is a sad story, and it’s gone on for too long. A stronger FWO will be better able to investigate allegations, and have a strong deterrent effect. It’s a necessary adaptation to an unconscionable reality.

Sadly, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) chief executive, Tony Mahar, has spoken out against the bill to make the FWO stronger. They say they support reform - but then they object to giving the tiger proper teeth. If the NFF wants workers’ rights protected, they should support this bill.

We need to show that the community is demanding a response. Send a message to the NFF that you support this legislation - and that they should too.

Strengthen the FWO and tackle systemic exploitation of migrant workers.

It’s time for things to change. We owe these migrant workers a fair go.