DILI, 28 march 2022 (TATOLI)-The Ambassador of Timor-Leste for Australia, Inês Maria de Almeida made a visit to the four berry plantations in Australia. It aims to observe Timorese worker’s performance in the fields.
This visit was made on 27 march this weekend, Ambassador Inês and her delegation were pleased to visit the four berry plantations and different places in Tasmania, such as Mountford Berries, Hillwood Berries, Tasmanian Berries, and Burlington Berries.
During the visit, Ambassador Inês was also accompanied by Timor-Leste’s labor attaché, Tomás de Araújo, TL Embassy in Canberra Australia. Through a press release that was accessed by Tatoli, Ambassador Inês was pleased to hear firsthand that the workers are highly valued for their hardworking nature.
The farm owners appreciate hardworking, loyalty, and dedication of workers during two difficult years due to COVID-19.
“Many of the workers, who are looking forward to a proper rest, will immediately return home to visit their families,” said a press release that was accessed by Tatoli today.
Overall, the workers stated that they were happy with their jobs and looked forward to returning to agriculture.
The workers emphasized that they also want to vote for the second round of the presidential election and they wanted to exercise their right to vote as Timorese citizens abroad.
The requests to Ambassador Inês for providing an election station to allow timorese workers to vote for the second round.
It is required for coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste to ensure all East Timorese in Australia have the opportunity to vote in the next presidential and parliamentary election.
According to data from the State Secretariat for Professional Training and Employment, the number of active foreign workers in Australia through the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) and Pacific Labor Scheme (PLS) is around 300 workers.
It is known that from january 2022 to february, 61 people will work for PLS and 172 people for SWP.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafy Belo
