Govt must admit it's 'not doing enough to protect'
7 December 2020 - Media Release - Newshub
The ACT Party is urging the Government to take up Hawke's Bay horticulturists' idea of establishing a managed isolation facility close to the businesses and let in more foreign workers.
Leader David Seymour says such a measure is necessary to "stave off the likelihood of crops rotting on the ground", as the sector faces a labour shortage.
Late last month the Government announced it would be letting in 2000 recognised seasonal employers (RSE) workers from Pacific countries early next year to pick fruit during the harvest season.
The move came after industry groups had repeatedly warned the worker shortage would have dire consequences for the sector.