http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/13/2464676.htm

Guest workers needed before peak season: Riverina Citrus

Posted 1 hour 54 minutes ago

Riverina Citrus says it hopes the Pacific guest worker scheme will be in place before the industry returns to full production.

The trial involving Griffith will allows workers from Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tonga and Papua New Guinea to fill labour shortages.

The Federal Opposition says the Government has left growers in the lurch because workers are yet to arrive.

Riverina Citrus' executive officer Peter Morrish says growers can afford to wait a couple of months, with peak season being between March and October.

"We've got a little bit of time to wait, but to us we feel it's important we get something up and running soon so that we can work through any issues that may arise so that when this drought is turned around and we get back into full production in all regions ... we'll have everything up and ready and going," he said.

The Federal Government says the scheme is in its final stages of implementation.