COFFS Harbour City Council has again shown its commitment to ending modern slavery among migrant workers on the Coffs Coast.
Cr Tony Judge moved a motion at the 20 August council meeting in the wake of issues raised by the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne.
The motion, which passed unanimously, noted issues raised by the Commissioner and acknowledged work already done by Council and others, and asked Council to communicate with relevant State and Federal politicians and agencies.
“I am proud that Councillors united as a group to pass the motion and support the work of the Anti-slavery Commissioner,” Cr Judge said.
“The final motion reflected contributions from other councillors, and I particularly wish to thank Councillor Fowler for her thoughts and input.”
Councillor Cath Fowler was pleased to see the work already done by council through discussions with relevant ministers and the industry.
“A strong unanimous motion shows clearly where we stand on stamping out modern slavery,” she said.
The council drew on General Manager Murray Wood’s expertise to propose a multi-agency task force with the State Government to share information and take action.
“We agreed to write to the Commonwealth Government to suggest changes to the PALM Scheme to allow workers greater mobility between employers, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation,” Cr Judge said.
“Finally, we resolved to write to the Premier and the NSW Industrial Relations Minister, asking that they act with urgency to register labour hire operators and regulate the industry.
“Council has shown that we are willing to lead in the fight against modern slavery on the Coffs Coast.
“I would encourage our local Members to join us: They have a lot to contribute, including a public platform to speak out.
“Ending modern slavery is everyone’s business.”
In a statement, Dr Cockayne welcomed the council’s clear commitment to addressing worker exploitation and modern slavery risks on the Coffs Coast.
“Introducing a labour hire licencing scheme in NSW is a critical step towards addressing the systemic weaknesses that enable exploitation,” Dr Cockayne said.
“The time for action, both in Macquarie Street and on the Mid North Coast, is now.”
Anyone with information or concerns can contact the Anti-slavery Commissioner’s office on 1800 373336.
By Andrew VIVIAN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
