Australia’s federal government is extending the scope of the Pacific Labour Scheme, aiming to strengthen that nation’s ties with Pacific Island nations.
Australia has recently announced a string of initiatives to improve relations with our neighbours, as China looks to increase its presence in the region. This week the government extended the Pacific Labour Scheme from the six countries it is open to, including Tonga. It opened discussions with Papua New Guinea to join as well. In addition, the scheme has been uncapped and the current limit of 2,000 places for migrant workers removed.
“These measures will help farmers and regional communities get the workers they need, when they need them. Australia will continue to prioritise the Pacific to help fill jobs where Australian workers are not able to do so,” said a joint statement from Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
NFF chief executive Tony Mahar welcomed the government’s attempts to improve labour availability, but said the jury was still out on the effectiveness of the extension of the Pacific Labour Scheme: "Agriculture is currently being crippled by a shear lack of available people power. Farmers just can't find the workers they need to get the job. Whether the changes to the Pacific Labour Scheme will form part of this solution, remains to be seen. We will need to wait to see the expanded Scheme in action."
Source: queenslandcountrylife.com.au
