Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) is deeply concerned about the ongoing industrial action between Wilmar Sugar and its employees, which is having a direct financial impact on growers, contractors, the community, and everyone who derives income directly or indirectly from the sugarcane industry. This dispute affects not only the Australian economy but also the health and wellbeing of QCAR members and the community as a whole.

Christian Lago, Chair of QCAR, remarked that the industrial action has placed significant financial strain on our members and their families. The resulting mental health impacts, including stress and anxiety, are a major concern, raising fears of potential personal crises among those struggling to cope with the situation.

“Industrial strike actions have complex effects on mental health for both the workers involved and those indirectly affected, including farmers, their families, farm workers, and contractors. The uncertainty and financial strain associated with strikes can lead to increased stress and anxiety, with additional risk of significant damage to the Australian economy,” Mr Lago said.

QCAR’s Fair Work Commission submission emphasises two key points:

The industrial action endangers the life, personal safety, health, or welfare of the population or a part of it.
The action causes significant damage to the Australian economy or an important part of it.

QCAR Burdekin District Committee Chair, Charles Qugaliata said every day lost at the front end of the season results in supply shortfalls, which are amplified at the back end with delayed supply and a high risk of supply collapse, especially when wet weather sets in. We saw this in 2010 when industrial action led to a full supply collapse, causing a $106 million impact on the industry.

The submission to the Fair Work Commission by QCAR includes verified analytical data by Dr. Lisa McDonald, who has worked for CSR Sugar, demonstrating the critical importance of early and consistent supply. The optimal growth period occurs in the 26 weeks commencing at the end of October each year and ending at the end of March the following year. The optimal harvesting season extends from early June to 15 November each year.

It has been calculated that the industry’s dollar value could be up to $8.67 million per day for all eight Wilmar supply mills. These numbers are based on statutory declared figures from Wilmar, updated to current sugar price levels.

“We are urging the Fair Work Commission to intervene and put an immediate suspension to any further industrial activity. This will allow the sugarcane industry to proceed with its seasonal processing activities, restoring cash flow and supporting the economy of local communities associated with Wilmar milling areas, as well as the broader state and federal economies,” Mr Lago said.

QCAR remains committed to supporting its members and the broader community through these challenging times and is advocating for a swift resolution to this industrial dispute.

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