Seasonal worker fined AUD$1,600 (SBD$8k plus) for carrying betel-nut into Australia

A seasonal worker was fined AUD$1,600 (SBD$8,800) at the Brisbane Airport last Sunday for carrying betel-nut into Australia.

SBMOnline was informed that the worker’s employer had to step in to pay the fine, which will later be refunded by the worker.

The latest incident involved a PALM worker carrying betel-nut to pass on to others living in Australia and was only given to him at the Honiara International Airport.

The LMU had repeatedly told PALM Scheme workers on their pre-departures NOT to take any betel-nuts with them into Australia.

“After so many warnings and instructions for workers NOT to carry betelnut on the plane to Australia, some people are still not listening after being promised by these local sellers of payments upon arrival in Australia,” said at worker at the LMU.

The worker said the latest fine should serve as a warning for seasonal workers not to carry any betele-nuts on behalf of others that sell them in Australia in return for promised big money.

News@SBMOnline2023