27 Australian employers from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, representatives from the Australian Government and PNG’s Consul-General to Australia have returned to Port Moresby after gaining valuable insights into Papua New Guinea’s labour mobility strengths.
The PNG-Australia PALM Approved Employers Expo provided an opportunity for Australian PALM employers to learn about Papua New Guinea, its workforce, and invest in building strong partnerships.
On Tuesday 26 May, employers travelled to Kokopo and Wewak, where regional hubs showed them recruitment processes that prepare workers for jobs in Australia.
In Wewak, the delegation visited training providers and partners of the East Sepik Recruitment Hub, which included Friends in Action and the Divine Word University, where forklift, sawmill and nursing training was in progress.
Meanwhile, in Kokopo, employers were hosted by the East New Britain Recruitment Hub and saw training in meatworks, a worker’s successful home build and visited the local market to see East New Britain’s fresh produce.
The Expo was delivered by the Australian and Papua New Guinean Governments.
“Labour mobility is, at its core, a partnership. It supports Australia’s workforce needs in remote and regional areas, while creating life‑changing opportunities for Papua New Guineans, benefiting not only workers but their families and communities,” said Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald.
“Nearly 70 percent of PNG’s returned PALM workers have started a business since returning home using the skills and savings they gained in Australia.”
Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape MP, joined High Commissioner McDonald in farewelling the PALM employers last night, highlighting the tangible benefits of the program for Papua New Guinea communities.
Ryan Cody, an employer from Far North Queensland, said he had already hired four workers from Wewak. On his first visit to the hub, he was impressed by how well it prepares workers for jobs in Australia.
“I was blown away by the amount of time, money and effort gone into the East Sepik Recruitment Hub, and I’ll definitely be back to hire more workers.”
The Expo also incorporated cultural experiences across both regions, with performances and community engagements designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage.
ENDS
Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, Minister for Treasury, Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Jelta Wong, East New Britain Governor, Hon. Michael Marum and Australian High Commissioner, Mr Ewen McDonald with Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme approved employers.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100