Pacific seasonal workers for Australian horticulture: a neat fit?

Seasonal labor shortages hinder the expansion of Australia’s multi-billion dollar horticultural industry because primary producers find it difficult to secure sufficient workers at peak times such as harvests. In the labor surplus economies of Pacific Island nations un(der)employment and a lack of income inhibit social and economic development, restrict educational opportunities and contribute to social unrest. This article investigates the potential to address both these issues through the development of temporary labor programs to allow Pacific Islanders to fill seasonal gaps in Australian horticulture. The authors outline key policy considerations for the design and regulation of seasonal work schemes in order to maximize social and economic development outcomes, protect workers’ rights, dignity and entitlements and minimize the social costs of temporary migration on the home society.