By MIRIAM MALAWA
PAPUA New Guinea’s Labour Mobility Program (PNGLMU) today launched the rebranded PNGLMU logo and website, created to serve as an information hub for stakeholders.
The unveiling which was officiated by Treasury Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey took place at the official Labour Mobility Expo on Monday, October 28, under the theme “Building Sustainable PNG-Australia PALM Partnership.
The week-long expo aims at addressing labor shortages by bringing Australian employers to see for themselves what are instore for them.
“The website will provide reliable information for PNG’s engagement in the regional labour mobility agenda,” Minister Ling-Stuckey stated.
The new logo, featuring a paddle, spear, and the Bird of Paradise, symbolizes PNG’s cultural heritage and aspirations, with the Bird of Paradise representing the nation itself.
Ling-Stuckey said that the Labour Mobility Program is aligned with the government’s job creation efforts, offering new income opportunities for PNG citizens through overseas remittances.
“PNG’s workforce contributes significantly to Australia’s production and supply industries, filling essential roles that provide our citizens with formal employment and income sources, benefiting both them and their communities,” he explained.
Since the program began in 2019, it has supported over 4,065 households across PNG. Focusing on low- to semi-skilled workers, the program helps mitigate the risk of “brain drain” from the country’s educated workforce.
Ling-Stuckey also noted the importance of training for prospective workers and coordinators, with community recruitment hubs actively selecting candidates nationwide.
He acknowledged ongoing support from partners like DFAT, MFAT, and the World Bank, which contribute to essential skills training in areas such as financial literacy and time management.
To streamline essential services, the government is also considering a “one-stop-shop” model, integrating the PNG Civil and Identity Registry, Immigration, and Citizenship Authority, and the Royal PNG Constabulary to expedite necessary documentation like birth certificates, passports, and police clearances.
By 2025, the government aims to secure 8,000 overseas employment opportunities for PNG citizens, bolstering economic resilience and providing vital income sources for communities across the country.
