Vanuatu workers

At least 300 cases have been linked to abattoirs and other meat processing facilities, and as a result, the Victorian government has ordered a 33 per cent reduction of meatworks staff.

The reduced hours will impact more than 150 Pacific men and women who were hired as part of the Australian government's Pacific Labour Scheme.

Junior Issachar from Vanuatu works at Frew's Abattoir in rural Victoria.

He and 11 other ni-Van workers have kept their jobs but he told Pacific Beat they're worried about what the situation means for their future in Australia.

Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat said this is a historic opportunity for Vanuatu to participate in the scheme.

“I was delighted to farewell the workers and wish them all the best in this historic opportunity to work in the Australian hospitality industry.”

They are the first ni-Vanuatu hospitality workers to go to Australia under the PLS.

Napuat said this is an exciting breakthrough for the Government and people of Vanuatu.

He also thanked the Labour Department and the Australian Government for the work done to progress the PLS in Vanuatu.