The need to better prepare Fijians travelling to Australia for work, ensuring they were treated well by employers and having support services including easy access to their superannuation upon their return were among the key issues discussed at a recent meeting in Nadi.
Assistant secretary for the Pacific Labour Policy and Engagement Carli Shillito shared this at the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) Reform Stakeholders Consultation.
“Key themes that have emerged from the consultation include the importance of workers developing skills in Australia and the need to do more for workers when they return home including support for reintegration and access to superannuation earned in Australia,” she said.
“The impact of the PALM scheme on domestic workforces across the region, social impacts related to workers being separated from their families and potential challenges with family accompaniment.
“We have also scheduled one on one discussions with your high commissioners and ambassadors to hear their views.”
Ms Shillito said they had consulted key stakeholders within their PALM partner countries to collect country-specific feedback on the proposed reforms and this was used to for this week’s regional consultation at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa.
