Ten Bougainvillean women will commence work on an Australian berry farm under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
They are the first group of Bouganvilleans to be sent to Australia as part of the program. In order to support this crucial project, Australia collaborated closely with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the PNG Government Labour Mobility Unit, and the PNG Government MPs from Bougainville.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Jon Philip stated that Australia has sought hard-working, Bougainvilleans to represent their region and expressed his delight in accomplishing that goal.
“Through PALM, workers from all over the Pacific are learning useful skills and making money to support their families and communities.”
“In Australia, they are filling labour shortages in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and aged care.”
“We anticipate that a large number of Bougainvilleans will use the program to travel to Australia after these remarkable women.”
Since work began in January 2023, more than one hundred Bougainvilleans have been selected to join the PNG Labour Mobility Unit work-ready pool. Labor mobility is an important driver of economic growth and one of the most effective ways to support individuals and their communities.
It also brings huge benefits to employers and host communities in Australia, while strengthening connections between people. Employee wellbeing is at the heart of the PALM program, through strong worker support provisions and reporting requirements.