AUSSIE AGRICULTURE AND PNG BIG WINNERS FROM PM’S PNG VISIT

Strengthening biosecurity, improving trade connections and expanding the PALM worker scheme are some of the key agricultural outcomes of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s historic visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

A key focus of the discussions between the Prime Minister and his PNG counterpart James Marape was support for PNG’s plans to expand its agricultural production and to build on Australia’s signifcant investment in infrastructure, commodity development and biosecurity.

The two leaders also declared their intention to signifcantly boost PNG’s participation in the Pacifc Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM), a crucial source of agriculture workers in Australia.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt welcomed the announcements, which resulted from months of work by offcials from both countries, and said

The arrival of the Year of the Rabbit on 22 January is a reminder to be biosecurity aware this Lunar New Year.

Acting Secretary of the Department and acting Director of Biosecurity, Dr Chris Locke, said they offered signifcant potential for both countries to expand their agricultural production.

“As our closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea is such an important partner to the Australian agriculture sector,” Minister Watt said.

“I particularly welcome the announcement of Prime Minister Marape’s ambition to deploy 8,000 PALM workers to Australia.

“The PALM scheme is rapidly growing and helping farmers and meat processors across Australia to fll gaps in their workforce.

“At the same time, the scheme assists Pacifc workers earn important income which supports their families back home.

“So it is great to see these channels of opportunity begin to open up.”

Minister Conroy said the Pacifc Australia

Labour Mobility scheme is central to the Albanese Government’s strategy for ensuring Australia is partner of choice for Papua New Guinea and the Pacifc region.

“In a region where more than one third of people live on less than $1,000 per year, long term PALM workers send home an average of $15,000,” Mr Conroy said.

“This is lifting Pacifc families out of poverty, sustaining communities and boosting economies devastated by the impact of COVID.

“I look forward to working with the PNG Government on strengthening Papua New Guinea’s worker mobilisation system and enhancing its participation in PALM.

“This will be good news for Australian farmers facing labour shortages and good news for PNG workers who will gain skills