The Australian Government plans to expand its labor program to bring more Pacific Islander workers to the country in order to strengthen relations with the region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Program, which already supports about 25,000 workers, will be expanded to include the services sector, especially elderly care, tourism and hospitality.
“Traditionally, it was in areas such as agriculture, meat processing, and other blue-collar industries that tended to mean that men from the Pacific participated in the project,” he said. I told reporters July 15th.
“This is good for our Pacific island neighbors, because it allows more women to participate in the plan, but Australia is significantly lacking in skills. It’s good for Australia because it’s a region where we live. “
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to provide 215 minutes of care per day to all elderly caregivers.
In addition, he said the average Australian Pacific worker sent about $ 6,000 a year to their country of origin.
“That is, a way to boost the economy here while making a real difference in Australia.”
Strengthening ties as Beijing soars Pacific Push
Albanese is in Fiji and participates in the Pacific Islands Forum.
The Prime Minister promised to bring “positive energy” to the event and touted the government’s openness to “listening” to Pacific concerns about climate change.
“I talked about treating the country with respect, which means not only speaking but also listening,” he told reporters on July 13. Then you can learn from each other. “
Albanese also said on July 14 that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was “extremely confident” that he would keep his statement that the recently signed security agreement with Beijing would not lead to militarization of the region. Declared.
In May, details of the controversial deal between Sogabare and Beijing were revealed, allowing the Chinese Communist Party to station troops, weapons and naval vessels in Pacific countries.
“I sat with him for dinner last night. One of the things we have to do is to build a personal relationship between our Australian and Pacific friends,” Albanese told Channel Nine. rice field. “We need to listen to them and be prepared to support their growth, but as my government does, advocate action on the issues they are concerned about. Please be ready to do it. “
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Daniel Y. Teng is based in Sydney. He focuses on national politics, including federal politics, COVID-19 response, and relations between Australia and China. Do you have a hint? Contact him at [email protected].