Prime Minister Matthew Wale says stronger collaboration between Solomon Islands and Australian employers is essential to creating more employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders while helping meet Australia’s workforce needs.
Opening the 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme through closer partnerships with the Australian Government, approved employers and local stakeholders.
The three-day Expo brings together 25 approved employers, including seven engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time, along with government representatives and labour mobility stakeholders. It aims to strengthen ties between the two countries’ employers and showcase the worker preparation, training and support systems behind Solomon Islands’ participation in the scheme.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, George Hoa’au, acknowledged the Prime Minister’s attendance and the commitment shown by employers.
“The Labour Mobility Unit would like to thank the Prime Minister for attending the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo,” Mr Hoa’au said.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the 25 cherished approved employers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to commit to learning more about the Solomon Islands.”
The Government has set a target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders to participate in labour mobility programs each year. Prime Minister Wale said reaching it will require stronger coordination across government agencies, effective worker preparation and improved systems to support sustainable growth.
“The Government is working to address existing barriers and review the National Labour Mobility Policy to strengthen the country’s labour mobility framework,” he said.
On the opening day, participants discussed worker welfare and support, recruitment priorities and the systems used to prepare Solomon Islanders for PALM employment. Representatives of the approved employers said they welcomed the chance to engage with local stakeholders and learn more about the country’s approach to worker preparation and support.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the scheme, supporting their families and communities while gaining valuable skills and workplace experience.
