Fijian-born rugby star Lote Tuqiri knows the difference a bit of support can make when moving to a new country.
Tuqiri, who plans to help others make a smooth transition after being engaged by labour hire company Agri Labour Australia, has now been appointed as the cultural ambassador for Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM).
“There are a lot of positives coming to work over here as part of the PALM scheme and I’m happy to be helping that and fostering that,” he said.
Tuqiri said his role would see him being more involved in community engagement and helping to ensure workers were supported in their life and work in Australia.
Agri Labour Australia managing director Casey Brown said Tuqiri was a role model for Pacific islanders and his experience would resonate with the workers.
“Why we engaged Lote is that he’s been there and done that and he came over to Australia as a young man with a dream and a goal,” he said.
“The wellbeing of is of central importance to the Australian Government and its partners and any measures by employers to boost the welfare of workers and ease their adjustment to life in a new country are welcomed.”
The PALM scheme was highly valued by Australia and the Pacific, helping Australian businesses in addressing workforce shortages.
Pacific and Timor-Leste workers would be provided an opportunity to access a range of seasonal and longer-term jobs in Australia and gain valuable skills, experience, and income to take back to their families and communities.
