The NSW Assistant Branch Secretary for the Australian Worker’s Union (AWU) Ron Cowdrey has slammed farm owners and managers that he describes as ‘cowboy operators.’

“If cowboy operators want to come here and roll out modern slavery like practices, or bully and underpay staff, or flout our customs laws and import pests and endanger our entire industry, then they can think again,” he said.

“The people in this district won’t cop it,” said Mr Cowdrey.

The owners of Gundaline Station are facing serious allegations from former employees about their management practices, particularly in relation to staffing and biosecurity measures, but have strenuously denied any wrong doing.

“All such allegations are utterly unfounded,” a spokesperson from Smart Shirts said.

Four employees resigned in September 2023, and shortly afterwards long-term employees were made redundant, following disputes over hours worked and safety conditions.

"Some staff were told last month they had (unknowingly) worked too many hours and the business was now in breach of the modern slavery act and supply-chain policies, which would put Gundaline Station's contracts in jeopardy when the auditors and compliance teams turn up," one source said.