NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh is fiercely defending himself against damning allegations from Anti-Slavery Commissioner James Cockayne, who claims a systemic exploitation of migrant workers in the state’s berry farming industry. Singh dismisses the report as a “political statement,” demanding an apology and insisting no evidence was presented. Cockayne, however, suggests Singh’s powerful regional influence may have shielded some operators, while also pointing to labor syndicates using intimidation and political pull to evade scrutiny. Despite Singh’s claim of having fought exploitation, Cockayne never directly approached him with concerns. The Commissioner’s findings reveal a troubling pattern — law enforcement knew parts of the problem but failed to connect the dots, hinting at possible collusion. NSW ministers now say they’re monitoring the situation, as investigations uncover a complex web of farm operators, labor hire firms, and buyers working together to enable widespread abuse — possibly beyond just the north coast. Singh remains open to addressing the issue if credible proof emerges, but the episode underscores urgent questions about accountability and regulation in Australia’s agricultural labor system.
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