BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
AUSTRALIA’S Foreign Minister, Senator Hon Penny Wong, revealed that seasonal workers contributed over SBD 247 million to the Solomon Islands economy last year.
Hon. Wong made the statement when she briefed seasonal workers who will depart to Australia this month under the Labor Mobility Scheme.
“The contribution from Solomon Island farm workers has been enormous. Last year, this figure surprised me, last year alone, workers contributed over 247 million Solomon Island dollars to your economy,’’ Hon. Wong said at the St Barnabas Cathedral today.
“I want to say to you that we’re grateful for the contribution you make to our economy, our communities, and importantly, to the partnership between our countries. Australians recognize the value of the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Scheme. Australian businesses recognize the value of the Prime Scheme,’’ she said.
“Australian businesses recognize the value of the Scheme. Some of their businesses simply wouldn’t exist without your contribution and the contribution of your compatriots. Your contribution ensures that businesses can grow and prosper,’’ Wong told Participants.
She said that Australia recognise the contribution Solomon Islanders make to their communities, and all across rural and regional Australia.
“Wherever farm workers are located, churches experience a revival, sports teams are getting a welcome boost in enthusiasm and skill, and Australian communities are benefiting from the rich cultures of Solomon Island communities.
“Your sacrifice and your hard work also help strengthen your country. The money you earn in Australia helps give children in this country the opportunity for education. It contributes to the building of houses, the support of your businesses, strengthening your communities,’’ Hon. Wong said.
She also stressed to participants Australia’s commitment to support Solomon Islands in terms of providing job opportunities.
“We are committed to supporting job opportunities for Solomon Islanders in Australia and here in Solomon Island. And of course, in order to get jobs, you need the right skills, the right qualifications and the right experiences. I’m very pleased to announce today that Australia is funding nearly 500, anyway it’s 494 scholarships to give men and women here in Solomon Island the opportunity to undertake technical training qualifications this year.
“These 494 Solomon Islanders will graduate with fully funded qualifications that will equip them with work-ready skills and experience in sectors like construction, tourism, hospitality, agribusiness, in order to help them get a job. And of course, Australia is committed to continuing to be your number one development partner and infrastructure partner and we understand that investing in people is one of the ways you work in partnership with you to make your country stronger and more resilient.
“And that path demands education, demands the education that we are partnering with you to help deliver for your children, but it also demands education and training for Solomon Islanders as they enter the workforce. So in addition to the 494 scholarships that I have announced, we have a long-standing investment in schools development in this country, including the two and a half thousand plus graduates from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition. So to all of you going to Australia for the first time, big fellow welcome to Australia.
“For those of you who might be on your second deployment, ‘Tagio Tumas for choosing to go back to Australia. And it’s a genuine pleasure to speak with you today and I’ll see you soon in Australia,’’ the Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Hon Penny Wong said.
