By MIRIAM MALAWA
THE Papua New Guinea Labor Mobility Unit (PNGLMU), is hosting an Approved Employers Expo to strengthen ties between Papua New Guinea and the Australian labor market.
PNGLMU Director Ms Hakaua Harry said over the four-day event, 10 Australian employers, all authorized under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, are visiting PNG to explore the local workforce potential.
The program, launched in 2019, has successfully placed over 4,000 Papua New Guineans in positions across Australia and New Zealand, particularly in agriculture, mid-level work, and the growing aged-care sector.
The PALM scheme, backed by the Australian government, addresses labor shortages in Australia by recruiting workers from 10 Pacific Island nations, including Papua New Guinea.
Ms Harry said that this event is designed to showcase PNG as a reliable recruitment destination, encouraging employers to understand the skills and dedication of Papua New Guinean workers.
“Papua New Guinea has a large population, and many are eager to find work, but job opportunities here can be scarce,” she noted.
“This initiative aims to demonstrate the strong work ethic and resilience of our people, making a compelling case for Australian employers to recruit from PNG.”
She said the Expo’s impact extends beyond employment. “The economic benefits of labor mobility programs reverberate across communities in PNG, as workers send funds back home, supporting families and stimulating local economies,” she said.
Ms Harry explained the transformative effect this has, as returning workers bring back not only earnings but also a vision for improved services and infrastructure, such as healthcare and education, inspired by their experiences abroad.
As PNG aims to double the number of workers in the PALM scheme to meet the target of 8,000 by next year, there are plans to expand support for the program. This includes enhancing worker preparation through training that addresses mistreatment concerns and establishing more in-country support.
In addition to the two PNG representatives stationed in Australia, the PNG Labor Mobility Unit has enlisted support from the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure workers feel secure and have access to support through local consulates.
Ms Harry also noted the critical role of community feedback and worker preparedness in strengthening these labor mobility programs.
“Our workers are ambassadors of PNG, and their professionalism is paving the way for future workers,” she added.
“Through their success, Australian employers are increasingly interested in hiring from PNG. One employer in the aged care sector has already committed to filling 50% of its positions with Papua New Guinean workers after seeing the positive impact our workers have made.”
The event also includes tours to Goroka and Kimbe, West New Britain, where employers will learn more about the provinces where many PNG workers originate, promoting a smooth reintegration process for workers when they return.
