ABOUT 6,982 local workers are currently working in the agriculture, meat and aged-care sectors in Australia and Solomon Islands Government is planning to increase the number of workers to 16,000 by 2028.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka revealed this statistic when speaking at a pre-departure briefing for 96 Solomon Islanders who will travel to Australia on 23 June to work under the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme. The pre-departure briefing was held at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral Probets Hall.
The pre-departure briefing was organized to coincide with the visit of the Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong. Senator Wong also spoke at the event. She welcomed the 96 PALM workers to Australia, thanked the contribution of Solomon Islands PALM workers to Australian farming community and Australian economy and expressed amazement at the contribution of Solomon Islands PALM workers to the Solomon Islands economy through remittances.
“We have about 6,982 workers in Australia at the moment.
“Thank you to the workers who put their hands up to participate in the Labour Mobility scheme to assist the economic development of Australia, for your personal benefit and the benefit of our economy,” Minister Agovaka said.
Minister Agovaka said the Labor Mobility Scheme or PALM has put the human face to the bilateral partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
“Partnership to me reflects two things: it represents cooperation and respect. So, when we talk about partnership these two words automatically pop-up-cooperation and respect. Without one there will be no partnership. Without respect and cooperation there is no partnership. It is important to learn partnership in our relationship.”
Minister Agovaka said LMS provides jobs for Solomon Islanders.
He acknowledged that unemployment amongst the youth population is high as 20,000 youths look for jobs annually and of these young job seekers, only a few thousands are able secure employment in the LMS and in the government sector and private sectors.
Solomon Islands participated in LMS since 2012 under a 9-month seasonal work program.
Solomon Islands numbers picked-up during the COVID-19 period.
“We were small players in the program compared to our neighbours Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu,” he said.
However, he said Solomon Islands hopes to increase its number of workers in Australia.
Many local workers are engaging in the agriculture sector, meat sector and aged care industry.
But the Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal said Solomon Islands is interested in participating in other areas offered by the PALM program as well.
“I register my sincere acknowledgement to the Australian Government for supporting the Labour Mobility Division in the External Trade Department [of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade].
“In particular, I want to acknowledge Australia’s program on aged care for the expansion of the program in 2024,” he further added.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
