The Australian Government says it's being cautious about implementing a seasonal work scheme for Pacific Islanders.
The scheme, which will make visas available to two and a half thousand workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, was expected to begin late last year after details were announced in August.
An independent report underpinning the scheme showed a strong demand from growers for more pickers during peak times.
But the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr, says the government wanted to ensure the three-year pilot programme would be above criticism.
"And if some would say well that's a little bit cautious I'd have to accept that it is a little bit cautious but the caution is directed at making certain that there's no abuse of people participating as stakeholders, as either the people who are arriving to do the seasonal work or of those who are providing the employment opportunities"
Duncan Kerr says the scheme's first workers are expected to arrive by the end of the month in time for Victoria's almond harvest.
