Unlocking Aust doors for workers

LAE City Authority (LCA) in partnership with the Australian consulate-general in Lae are going through processes to enable Papua New Guineans living in Lae to work in Australia.
Their efforts have been boosted by several businesses in Lae supporting the initiative by screening workers from within the companies before they are being screened by LCA.
Prima Small Goods was one of the first businesses to put forward leading employee, considering that they would gain skills and experience overseas and contribute to their communities on return.
Prima Small Goods chief execiutive officer Adrian Chow identified five employees, who he described as ‘hardworking and had great potential for jobs in Australia”.
Lae MP and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso said industry was what drove the country, and they had to always support that.
“This is an opportunity. Go and come back with skills. You are our ambassadors,” Rosso told the five.
“If you fail, you forget all of us. You work hard and with good discipline, you will gain and be successful. Do not be reckless with the opportunity given to you.”
Rosso said the first workers from Lae to go to Australia will establish Lae’s reputation and that is why they were being very careful to make sure only reliable workers were selected in this process.
“In the initial phase, participation is open to tertiary students and graduates from Unitech, Lae School of Nursing and the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG.
“Business partners were invited to participate and Prima, Lae Biscuit, Trukai, NKW and Papindo have put forward employees, with the goal of providing opportunities and building the local workforce and economy,” Rosso said.
Prima Small Goods CEO Adrian Chow said his company was pleased to participate in the programme.
“We want to give to the people as much as we can,” he said.