The Government of Australia will receive nine 9 Aged-Care Fijian workers soon under the Australia Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) labour mobility programme.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar Bala officiated at the opening of the three day pre-departure briefing for the selected Fijian workers today at Albert Park, Suva.
Minister Bala conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to the Australian Government and the employer, Health X Bushland Health Group, for its support towards Fiji’s participation in the Scheme, despite the many challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This group will be the second cohort of Fijian workers to leave our shores under PLS after the re-opening of Fiji’s border early this month.
Minister Bala stressed the importance of the three-day training, which is a component to prepare workers prior to mobilisation to the labour mobility host country.
"I encourage you all to be attentive to all discussions and fully utilise this opportunity to clear any doubts and questions you may have before departing for Australia,” added Minister Bala.
"As selected Fijian workers, you will need to stay focused whilst in Australia, as this will create more opportunities for other unemployed Fijians."
He further added that their hard work and good performance will determine future employment opportunities for potential Fijians who wish to be part of the scheme in the near future and, most importantly, in achieving their goals that were set before leaving Fiji.
"Whilst in Australia, bear in mind the purpose of your work and always remember your families back home, especially your children and spouse, for married workers."
"Don’t let the bright lights divert your goals of working in Australia for the livelihood of your families, and for your children’s future,” said Minister Bala.
Representing the Australian Government, First Secretary to Fiji’s Australian High Commissioner, Mr Malcom Peterson, also acknowledged the selected Fijian workers on their commitment to work in Australia.
"I want to acknowledge the sacrifices that you are making by leaving your families, communities to go and work in Australia. I know this is a difficult decision, surrounding the uncertainty that COVID-19 has created, but I want to assure you that your sacrifices will be valued,” said Mr Peterson.
"This opportunity will be able to support your families and communities in Fiji. You will gain new skills, experiences and create new opportunities and upon return, to be able, to re-enter the workforce in Fiji,” added Mr Peterson.
The three-days ore-departure briefing for the nine selected Fijian workers will end on 10 December 2021. The briefing will include the Financial Inclusion program from ANZ Bank and awareness from FNPF on voluntary contribution and other important components in preparing workers prior to their departure.
The PLS and Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) is a Government to Government arrangement between Fiji and Australia under the Vuvale Partnership.