Fed: Ruddock defends crackdown on illegal workers

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2000
Fed: Ruddock defends crackdown on illegal workers

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK has defended the government's planned crackdown
on illegal workers, saying the aim is to cause as little inconvenience as possible to
employers.

Mr RUDDOCK says employers who make reasonable inquiries about eligibility of their
workers could escape prosecution, although others face fines of up to $66,000 or two years
jail.

He says some 50,000 tourists are overstaying their visas with half taking jobs from
Australian citizens.

The government's proposed legislation cracking down on employers who hire tourists
without work visas, has prompted wide ranging concern from industry sectors which rely
on itinerant workers to meet peak demand.

Although fruit picking is the most visible industry sector relying on casual labour,
the problem apparently also applies to the hospitality and sex industries.

Farmers also are reportedly concerned.

AAP RTV mb/nf/jn

KEYWORD: HARVEST (CANBERRA)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.