Herbert Sugar Industry Soured by Wilmar’s Arrogance

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto.

14 August 2024

Member for Hinchinbrook and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, has launched a scathing attack on Wilmar in the wake of the multinational company’s decision to not allow workers to vote on the recommendations handed down by the Fair Work Commissioner.

Mr Dametto said the pay dispute between Wilmar and mill workers had dragged out long enough to the detriment of all sugar industry stakeholders.

“Sugar cane growers, workers, and the entire industry have had enough,” the Hinchinbrook MP said.

“It was Wilmar who opted to get the Fair Work Commissioner involved with resolving this disagreement and now that they don’t like the outcome, they are digging in their heels and refusing to consider the recommendations.

“The independent Commission carefully considered the situation and came back with their recommendations, which are not made lightly! But rather than putting these to a vote, as Tully Sugar Mill did—despite no one being entirely happy—Wilmar has opted to not even give the workers the chance to vote.

“Tully Sugar had the decency to put the Commission’s recommendations to a vote, and although it wasn’t perfect, the EBA got up, and now their workers are being paid more fairly. Just 150 kilometres away, Wilmar’s workers are stuck under a regime that pays them significantly less for the same work. It’s shameful.

“If Wilmar as a corporation, had any interest in the well-being of this district—and frankly, I don’t believe they do—they would have already put these recommendations to a vote. Wilmar is profit-driven, plain and simple.

“If there’s even a shred of hope left for Wilmar to restore its reputation, they need to act now. Put the recommendations to a vote and allow the workers to have their say. Anything less is a slap in the face to the hard-working people who keep the sugar industry going.

“It’s time to let people do what they do best—get back to work and get paid a fair wage. We need to create some stability for the rest of the season, giving growers and harvesting contractors the confidence they need for the second half of the season.”

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