Aussie company to be probed over exploitation of Indians

MELBOURNE: Australian authorities will investigate claims that Indian workers at a tomato farm in New South Wales are being exploited, including being subjected to sexual assault.

A news report had claimed that workers at a farm owned by company Rorato Nominees in the Riverina town of Jerilderie were subjected to human rights abuses and made to live in squalor.

The Workplace Ombudsman has announced an immediate investigation into the allegations.

"The alleged treatment of these vulnerable Indian farm workers is offensive and utterly contrary to the community's expectation that all workers will be treated fairly and lawfully regardless of their nationality," The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, said in a statement.

The company's supervisor, Sam Prassad, is under investigation over an alleged sexual assault as well as the virtual confinement of dozens of workers. As a condition of employment, the workers must pay to live in cramped, squalid properties owned by Prassad, a report by Sydney Morning Herald had said.

"Workplace inspectors from our Wagga office will commence an immediate investigation into the employment practices of Rorato Nominees to determine its fairness as well as ensuring that the workers have been paid all their lawful wages and entitlements," Wilson said.