THE employment agency responsible for overseeing international workers in Swan Hill as part of the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme has been cleared of any wrongdoings, following a Fair Work investigation.
The investigation was launched earlier this month after 32 Ni Van workers employed under the scheme returned to Vanuatu four months prior to their scheduled departure following contractual disputes.
However, an audit by the Fair Work Ombudsman revealed the Connect Group had complied with the "terms and conditions assessed within the Horticulture Industry Award in accordance with Commonwealth workplace laws."
As part of the audit process Fair Work inspectors from Bendigo were responsible for reviewing timebooks and wage records.
While there was one minor discrepancy in relation to one of the workers, the report stated this had since been rectified and "therefore, no further action would be taken at this time."
Connect Group managing director Michael Fryszer said he was looking forward to putting the incident behind him and moving forward with the pilot program which he claimed had been successful since its inception in 2009.
Connect Group has been heavily involved in the program since early 2010 and despite the outcome of this particular group, Mr Fryszer said the benefits of the program spoke for themselves, increasing grower confidence and addressing labour shortages, while assisting neighbouring countries.
With around nine countries involved in the scheme, Mr Fryszer said placements were becoming quite competitive as countries vied for work.
Mr Fryszer said there were some underlying issues in relation to the Ni Vans' departure but remained confident that this was an "isolated incident."
"We are pioneers in all of this and we're the ones writing the 'how to' manual," he said.
"Our six other groups in the country are all going very well."
He said this latest incident had not dented his faith in the program.
Under the scheme workers may be employed under either an hourly rate or a piece rate system, having the potential to earn between $1500 and $2000 a week.
"The leadership group of this season's Ni Van workers switched readily and without concern between the two systems last year whilst at Murrawee Farms," Mr Fryszer said.
"Being paid at least the minimum enshrined under the appropriate industrial instrument was never in question.
"Workers were paid fully as to their appropriate award classification when on hourly rates and were given the chance to earn a very significant premium when the move to piece rates was initiated," he said, noting the company was one of the most scrutinised employers in the country.
Looking towards the future, Mr Fryszer said his company would be meeting with Murrawee Farms next week to discuss the future of the program at the Swan Hill farm.
Mr Fryszer said group dynamics played a role in the departure of the 24 men and eight women who had been working in Swan Hill since September, some of which had returned to the farm for their second season.
While the decision to leave impacted the group as a whole, Mr Fryszer said there was a possibility some of the workers may return in May for winter pruning.
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