K2.8 million for seasonal workers

THE department of treasury has given K2.8 million to the department of foreign affairs to speed up the process in sending seasonal workers from PNG to Australia.
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigrations Minister Sam Abal announced this yesterday in Port Moresby during a press conference and highlighted that the funds were part of the national government commitment of K5.8 million.
“This support shows that the PNG government is fully committed to provide necessary assistance to facilitate the participation of its citizens in the Australia’s Pacific seasonal worker pilot scheme,” Abal said.
He said PNG was a late starter in the pilot scheme signing the agreement in July this year but all necessary procedures and processes were nearly completed with a task force committing itself in making the necessary arrangements.
Abal emphasised that there were financial implications involved in PNG’s participation in the pilot scheme and, therefore, funds have to secure sooner to quickly make the necessary arrangements.
“Australian’s pilot scheme concludes in December next year which gives PNG few months to select, coordinate and send its seasonal workers to Australia,” Abal said.
He said 650 people especially young people throughout PNG would be selected to go and therefore, they have to be properly taught, advised and trained to conduct themselves according to the conditions in the agreement between Australia and PNG for this project.
Abal emphasised strongly on the attitude and behaviours that would be expected in Australia by our seasonal workers and how to benefit from the programme and the money earned while working there.
He expressed confidence that PNG would be able to send its citizens for seasonal work in Australia within the given timeline.