Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has challenged approved employers under Australia’s PALM Scheme to achieve its target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders annually to participate in labour mobility programmes.
The Prime Minister made the call today when officially opening the inaugural PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara.
The Expo brings together representatives from 25 approved employers, Australian Government officials and local labour mobility stakeholders.
“Approved Employers, ensure that our work-ready pool is empty by the end of this week, and the target of 5,000 workers per annum is met. I challenge you and my team at the Labour Mobility Unit to make these happen,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He said expanding labour mobility was one of his requests to the Australian Government as Solomon Islands resets and reforms its economy to grow domestic employment.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the PALM Scheme across various sectors and industries, supporting their families and communities while contributing to Australian businesses and the economy.
The Prime Minister said achieving the Government’s target required stronger cooperation between the two governments, approved employers, training providers and other stakeholders.
Earlier this month, government agencies met through an intergovernmental dialogue facilitated by the Labour Mobility Unit to identify structural bottlenecks and discuss improvements to the labour mobility system.
Priorities include strengthening coordination, ensuring appropriate resourcing and reviewing the National Labour Mobility Policy.
Prime Minister Wale emphasised that labour mobility offers more than employment and earnings.
“It enables Solomon Islanders to develop new skills, gain industry experience and bring valuable knowledge and confidence back to their communities,” he said.
He welcomed seven approved employers engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time and encouraged all participating employers to use the Expo to understand the strengths of the local workforce and build lasting recruitment partnerships.
The Prime Minister said the Government’s ambition was to grow labour mobility sustainably, ensuring it delivers meaningful opportunities for Solomon Islanders while benefiting Australian employers and communities.
