BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
The first Solomon Islands-Australia Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Approved Employer Expo officially opened today at the Aquatic Centre at the National Stadium in Honiara, bringing new hope for Solomon Islanders seeking overseas work opportunities.
Held under the theme “Partnership in Growing the PALM Scheme in Solomon Islands,” the Expo brings together 25 Australian approved employers, Solomon Islands Government representatives and partner organisations to strengthen cooperation and build confidence in local workers.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale officially opened the Expo, calling on employers to help expand labour mobility opportunities and support the Government’s target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders to participate in labour mobility programmes each year.
For many Solomon Islanders, the PALM Scheme is more than a chance to work overseas. It provides an opportunity to earn an income, support families, improve living conditions and gain skills that can benefit their communities.
In his keynote address, Mr Wale thanked the Australian employers and officials for attending, saying their participation showed the importance of the scheme to both countries.
“Your decision to recruit from Solomon Islands is more than a recruitment decision. It is an investment in our people,” he said.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the PALM Scheme, working in different industries in Australia while supporting their families back home.
The Prime Minister acknowledged employers who had recruited Solomon Islanders over the years and welcomed seven employers who were engaging with the country for the first time.
He said expanding the scheme was part of the Government’s efforts to reform the economy, create more jobs and strengthen cooperation with Australia.
Mr Wale also highlighted the value of workers gaining new skills and experience through overseas employment.
“It enables Solomon Islanders to develop new skills, gain industry experience and bring valuable knowledge and confidence back to their communities,” he said.
The Expo gives employers an opportunity to meet returning PALM workers and hear about their experiences, challenges and achievements. These personal stories can help employers better understand Solomon Islands workers and the benefits of building long-term partnerships.
The event also aims to help Australian employers understand the culture, history and communities of their workers, encouraging stronger relationships and better understanding between employers and employees.
Organisers stressed that the Expo is not a recruitment event. Instead, it provides a platform for sharing experiences, improving cooperation and supporting the long-term growth of the PALM Scheme.
Information booths and stalls from government ministries and supporting organisations are also available to explain the services, training and preparation provided to workers before they travel to Australia.
As the first Expo of its kind in Honiara, the event highlights the importance of partnership in creating opportunities for Solomon Islanders while supporting Australian employers and communities.
For workers and their families, the continued growth of the scheme offers hope for better incomes, new skills and a brighter future.
