Agreement opens door for locals to work in Aust

The governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed an agreement that will facilitate a smoother process for Papua New Guineans to apply to work in farms in Australia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato, who signed the agreement on labour mobility with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne, said this would allow Papua New Guineans to earn good wages in Australia.
“This offer to work opportunities in rural Australia, as well as work for semi-skilled works, is a sign of the great bonds of friendship between PNG and Australia,” he said.
Pato and other ministers companied Payne to Atherton Tablelands, Australia, to visit some of the agriculture areas where PNG workers would be employed.
Some from East New Britain, South Highlands and Bougainville are currently working particularly at Skybury Coffee Estate.
“We assured Australian farmers they would receive hardworking, pleasant PNG citizens who would make significant contributions to the farms,” Pato said.
While in Cairns, he discussed with Payne a range of projects in which both countries were closely cooperating.