Delegation to Australia promotes PNG PALM scheme workers

Ann William and her three children, background building foundation of her new house. Ann's husband works at a Victoria abattoir. (Pacific Labour Mobility Communications)

A delegation from Papua New Guinea’s Labour Mobility Unit [PNG LMU] is touring Australia this month to promote PNG’s participation in the PALM scheme.

The delegation will visit locations where PNG workers are based especially in Queensland, Brisbane and Cairns.

Labour Mobility Director Hakaua Harry says, “the tour aims to build positive relationships with employers in agriculture, horticulture, meat processing and aged care and, to showcase the benefits of recruiting workers from PNG.”

PNG has set a target of 8000 PALM scheme workers in labour mobility by the end of 2025.

Ms Harry claims meeting with employer's face to face is an advantage for the PNG delegation as it will provide the opportunity to showcase PNG to the Australian workforce so that consideration can be prioritised in workforce planning.

“As part of this, we also need to attract the right candidates in PNG, and for people to understand what makes a successful candidate. We need diligent, dedicated and hard-working Papua New Guineans who can be positive ambassadors for our country,” said Ms Harry.

The benefits of labour mobility can be seen in communities across PNG, where PALM scheme workers are sending money home to support families, start local businesses and educate children.

Ann Willam's incomplete construction of her three-bedroom house. (NBC National Radio: Timothy Vanua)

In Gabone Village in Central Province, PALM scheme workers are helping to build new family homes and support local church organisations.

Ann William, whose husband works at an abattoir in Victoria says, “his is our great dream to build a home like this.

“It will be a four-bedroom home with a living room and a kitchen for us and our three children. We started it some six months ago and by the end of this year, we will have completed it.”

She said the money her husband makes in Australia is benefitting the whole community.

“Some of the money my husband earns goes to building our home, some goes to supporting our three kids, some goes to family occasions like weddings and funerals, and some goes to church organisations. We also help support my nieces and nephews with whatever they need like school uniforms or bus fares.”