The foreign ministry has contacted Australian authorities to express its concern over the working conditions of Taiwanese laborers in the country.
The ministry’s move comes after an investigative report on Australian television program “Four Corners” revealed workers laboring under slave-like conditions on Australian farms. These workers include Taiwanese nationals.
High wages, the chance to improve English skills and a working-holiday visa scheme have made Australia a popular choice with young Taiwanese workers. However, the “Four Corners” report reveals under-payment and exploitation, as well as cases of verbal and even sexual abuse.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Kao said Wednesday that the foreign ministry has been in contact with Australia’s immigration agency, federal police force and Fair Work Commission since the report aired on Monday.
Kao said that the foreign ministry has called on Australian authorities to investigate the report. She also said Taiwan has asked Australia to improve conditions and offer reasonable compensation to affected workers if details of the report are found to be true.
In response, Australia’s representative to Taiwan Richard Neumann said that all workers legally employed in Australia have the same rights. Neumann said that Australia does not tolerate exploitation and asked foreign workers faced with exploitation to report their case to the authorities. Australia's immigration agency says that all laborers on working holidays have the same rights to the salaries and working conditions of local citizens under the Fair Work Act.
Neumann also said that his office will cooperate with Taiwan’s government to promote the safety and welfare of Taiwanese workers in Australia.