Summary of Evaluation Findings from Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Policy First Season (2007/08)
DEPARTMENTAL COMMENT ON EVALUATION FINDINGS
Since 31 March 2008, there has been another year of RSE so everyone involved has gained more experience with the scheme and its operation.
There have also been some specific changes in RSE policy and practice around areas such as the pre-employment preparation of workers, the employment of 'return' workers, investment by employers in worker accommodation, the analysis of worker earnings, and RSE support systems in the Pacific.
In particular:
- new pre-departure resources have been developed and rolled out in all 'kick start' states, and additional training has been provided to people delivering pre-departure training to workers in these states;
- large numbers of returning workers are now available as an important source of on-going advice, support, and information for first-time workers. This has helped to manage expectations and to reduce the scope for misunderstandings and disputes to arise;
- there has been investment by employers in improved and purpose-built accommodation facilities for RSE workers;
- a unique tax code for RSE workers introduced from 1 April 2009 will open up new opportunities for analysis of RSE worker earnings; and
- DoL has been allocated $500,000 over two years (2009/10 and 2010/11) from the General Assistance Funding (GAF) to help Pacific countries to develop and operate good RSE support systems for workers and employers in their countries.
