Forging connections
Ties with PNG help agrifood
FARMERS across the Far North region will be better connected to the workforce thanks to a new partnership with Papua New Guinea.
FNQ Growers recently hosted Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Marise Payne, and PNG ministerial dignitaries including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Rimbink Pato, Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations Mehrra Kipefa and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister William Samb, in Mareeba.
The meeting celebrated the relationship between Australia and PNG, specifically under the Pacific Labour Mobility program.
The program is one of a suite of solutions being delivered by Agriculture Workforce manager (FNQ), Leanne Kruss to address workforce challenges in the regional agrifood sector.
Ms Kruss said Far North Queensland was a major benefactor of Pacific labour mobility programs.
“It is very rewarding to be a part of the partnership, particularly in our region where the real benefits are being delivered on the ground,” she said.
“An industry’s most valuable asset is its workforce, and I’m happy to report that our farms are strategically embracing opportunities such as those presented by Pacific labour programs as part of their core business strategies.
“The Pacific labour programs have proven to show benefits over other labour sources in the low-skilled area of employment.”
Mr Pato praised the close working relationship between the two countries, particularly in labour mobility.
“This will empower our people to bring needed skills and needed remittances to the rural communities in PNG,” he said. “It is a very important focus of the partnership.”
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