JIWAKA FRUITPICKERS OFF

 

Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey (left) and Governor Tongamp (right).

  . . TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER

PAPUA NEW GUINEA treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey has announced nearly 600 Papua New Guinean workers are ready to work in Australia.

Mr Ling-Stuckey said the Labour Mobility scheme can and has brought benefits, including increased household revenues, for the people of Jiwaka, and all Papua New Guineans.

Treasurer Ling-Stuckey conveyed these sentiments to Governor Tongamp during the tabling of the K157,466.5 million Jiwaka Provincial Government Budget in Waigani last week.

“One of PNG’s best business opportunities is allowing our people to work in countries such as Australia and New Zealand and then bring back their incomes and improved skills to our local families and communities.

“It is and will be, one of the transformative economic reforms of the Marape-Basil Government as international borders are reopening, after their shutdown by covid-19,” said the Treasurer.

“I was especially pleased to confirm that 15 women from his province, all of whom have arrived in Port Moresby, will soon depart for South Australia. The level of excitement and enthusiasm among our recruits has been fantastic, and they are all eager to take advantage of this opportunity" he said.

 “With international borders re-opening, we have an additional 552 PNG workers ready to go to Australia by the end of April. The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) has responded quickly and effectively and taken full advantage of Australia's reopening of borders this week, all of which have been made possible by the intervention and constant support of the Australian Government through the Australian High Commission in PNG," said the Treasurer.

He encouraged all districts and provinces interested, to contact the LMU in Treasury at pls@treasury.gov.pg or speak directly to the team on 313 3792.”

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey