Tongan government hopes to increase number of workers on Australian seasonal worker programme ^Featured

There are currently 2,179 Tongan workers in Australia on the Pacific Harvest Scheme's seasonal worker programme.

The program allows workers from Pacific Island nations to come to Australia and undertake up to six months of work each year.

Tongan Minister for Internal Affairs, Sosefo Fe'ao Vakata, said there were still more than 1,000 applicants hoping to find a work placement in Australia.

"We need more workers over in Australia," he said during a recent tour to Australia.

"There is some work [back in Tonga], but not as good an income as what they get here in Australia.

"Not just that, but there are a lot of opportunities — they are able to learn some new skills while they're here in Australia."

Exploitation 'a reality

In the past two years, the Pacific Harvest Scheme visa has been marred with claims of worker exploitation throughout Australia including one case of workers in northern Victoria earning less than $10 a week after deductions.

Moora Citrus orchard manager Shane Kay said it was "really sad to see" these cases appeared to be reality.

"It's certainly something that we hate to see," he said.

"But it was quite pleasing to hear from the Minister that when he spoke to the guys, they're extremely happy with the conditions and the employment that they have here."

Employment number one priority

Mr Fe'ao Vakata acknowledged the reality of the situation, however believed finding work for Tongan people in Australia was a priority.

"There are issues, but [I'm] grateful that they are still recruiting from Tonga," he said.

"I think [the issues] can still be tidied up. We can work on it, while we work on getting more workers from Tonga."

Faith in Australian system

Mr Fe'ao Vakata believes Australia has the right systems in place to ensure the proper treatment of workers, and consequences for those not doing the right thing.

"I'm worried, but Fair Work Australia is there, the ombudsman, and the department of employment," he said.

"If the employer is not doing the right thing, they will penalise the employer."

Mr Fe'ao Vakata said he hoped one day every Tongan worker wishing to go to Australia would have the opportunity.

"A lot of our students don't have jobs in Tonga, so we'll be looking to Australia," he said.

"There are a lot of opportunities in Australia for students who have already left school, also the workers that have registered in our list.

"But I'm hoping that they will all make it over to Australia."

-ABC