Province sends 29 seasonal labourers to work in Australia

A GROUP of workers from Enga have left the country last week for Australia under the seasonal workers scheme, an official says.
Enga commerce, cultures and tourism director Margaret Potane told The National four women and 25 men from the province were now in Australia to acquire specialised skills and knowledge on meat packaging and vegetable packing.
She said these set of skills were needed in the province as it now focused on manufacturing and packaging its home grown organic products to supply both the domestic and international markets.
“Whatever they learn from abroad will be imparted to others like them back in the province and the country at large,” Potane said.
She said the seasonal workers would also be exposed to another culture and way of life that would help their personal development.
Potane said a small percentage of of their earnings would be reemitted to the provincial government’s operating account to help send more Engans to work in Australia.
“Our government is determined to send 1,000 seasonal workers to Australia over the next five years,” she said.
She said most of those in Australia had been involved in small agri-businesses in Enga helping local women groups, especially their mothers and sisters at the Surinki Farm.
“The four women went to South Australia while the 25 males went to Victoria and six more are still waiting for their visas.”