The first ten participants of the Labor Mobility Program of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville were sent off to begin their journey to Australia on Wednesday, 20 September. Photo: Autonomous Bougainville Government
The autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville has sent its first participants to Australia under a new labour mobility programme.
The programme is a partnership between the Bougainville government and Australia and aims to empower young Bougainvilleans by giving them work opportunities on Australian farms.
The ten workers, all females, from across the four regions of Bougainville, will be in Australia for nine months.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Department of Commerce, Trade and Economics secretary Alex Kerangpuna said having such a program exclusively for Bougainville is a great achievement that will strengthen Bougainville's economy as it aspires to independence.
Kerangpuna thanked the partnership of the Australian government through this program and said he looked forward to more such engagements in the future.
He further acknowledged the generous support provided through the Office of the Regional Member for Bougainville towards the program.
Australian High Commission's first secretary in Bougainville Dr Fiona Crawford said it was an honour for Australia to partner with the ABG to start this as a pilot program in Bougainville.
"The labour mobility program is essential to the Australian government's commitment to build a stronger Pacific family," she said.
"It aims to strengthen links between people, businesses and communities, fostering deep connections between Australia and Papua New Guinea."
According to Dr Crawford, this program provides the economic pathway for participants to develop skills, earn good income and support their families back home.
She added that the recipients will not only invest their savings in their families and communities but also contribute to the local economy by starting new businesses.