160 Workers Fly to Australia today as Seasonal Workers in Queensland
Good news for rural families, 160 workers are bound for Australia today to work in Queensland under the Seasonal Work Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS).
The first group left at 7am this morning, with the second group scheduled for 4pm this afternoon. They will be quarantined at their pre-arranged quarantine sites for 14 days before going to their respective farms where they will be working for the next 2 to 3 years
“The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) has been working very hard to ensure our people participate in the labour mobility program, earn an income, gain some skills and be able to support themselves financially, during this very difficult time.
“This is evident during the recent months where locals have travelled every month to Australia as part of the labour mobility program,” a press statement from the LMU said.
The LMU says that the team has a mix of returning workers who have been part of the schemes previously and some first timers who were selected as part of February 2021 applicants. This consist of 110 male workers and 50 females selected from all the nine provinces.
All the workers attended a mandatory two-day Pre-departure briefing and training program which include key information on worker contract & agreements, country information, health management, ambassadorial responsibilities, COVID 19 regulations and other important issues. The pre departure briefing is essential for the workers whom some of them have never travelled overseas before.
The Pacific Labour Scheme helps address workforce shortages in rural and regional Australia, while providing opportunities for Pacific and Timorese workers to gain experience, earn income and send remittances home to support their families and communities.
The Scheme commenced on 1 July 2018 following a successful pilot program in northern Australia and builds on the success of the Seasonal Worker Programme.
Source: With MFAET Press Release and Solomon Times Online.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
