DEAR News Of The Area,
THE NSW Government has committed to introduce legislation to regulate labour hire in its first 100 days of a new term, if they are re-elected in March next year.
That won’t fix every problem identified in Anti-slavery Commissioner James Cockayne’s harrowing report on modern slavery, but it will break the back of the model that is being used to exploit and abuse agricultural workers here on the Coffs Coast.
Now we need our local member, Gurmesh Singh, to show leadership, work with his party, and convince the Liberals to get a matching commitment to effective action.
That way, regardless of the election outcome, we will be assured of taking a big step to eliminate modern slavery in NSW.
Mr Singh is uniquely positioned to take the lead on modern slavery on the conservative side of politics.
As the member for one of the two key electorates identified in the Anti-slavery Commissioner’s report, he is obliged to act.
As a former blueberry grower and chair of the Ozgroup cooperative, he understands the industry.
As the leader of his party he should have power to negotiate with the Liberals.
As a member of the NSW Parliamentary Friends Against Modern Slavery he has signalled his willingness to acknowledge the importance of the issue.
But being supportive is not enough. Now we need him to act.
The City of Coffs Harbour has committed to work with the Commissioner on identifying indicators of abuse and taking effective action. Nambucca Valley Council has joined us. Community groups, churches and unions have thrown their weight behind action to eliminate slavery in our region. Over 100 community members turn up on a Wednesday night to offer support to affected workers, hear their stories and learn about how the Australian Workers Union will be tackling the problems.
We are leading the fight against abuse and exploitation. Now we need our local member to step up and join us.
This is not about politics, it’s about human rights. It should not be partisan.
Every party and every member of Parliament should be committed to stopping slavery. That can start with us, but we need Mr Singh to step up and lead.
Regards,
Tony Judge,
Woolgoolga.
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