68 Fijian workers who will be leaving our shores for Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme have been reminded not to forget their dreams, the struggles and the promises they made to their families and loved ones that look up to them with hope for a better future.
While speaking at the closing of the 4-day pre-departure briefings, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh told the workers to continue to connect with their families here in Fiji and support them according to their plans and set goals as this is the main reason they joined the program to support and sustain their families’ daily livelihoods.
Singh also reminded the workers to honour their working terms and conditions set out in their employment contracts.
He says their working conditions for the duration of 3 to 4 years are the same as any local Australian workers.
He adds that they have the same work rights and responsibilities, leaves and entitlements, and learning and development as all of them are protected under the same Fair Work Act 2009, Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements.
The Minister says that workers should remain loyal to their employers as they have provided them with the opportunity to make their dreams come true and for allowing them to provide a better future for their families.
He says these approved employers sponsored them under the PALM program, and all their visas are connected to these employers.
The Minister also shared the story that was highlighted during the Australia Day Celebrations in Sydney, where a group of Fijian meat workers, who were mobilised to Lismore in New South Wales last year, were part of the celebrations at the Sydney Opera House.
Singh says this group of Fijian workers were captured on social media rescuing elderly residents of an Aged-Care facility during the floods.
He says in recognition of their heroic efforts, they were at the national Australia Day celebrations and concert at the Sydney Opera House, singing and also backing an Australian artist.
He adds for our Fijian workers under this program it was a wonderful recognition of their efforts in their residence of Lismore in NSW.
