Pacific

Australian minister says Pacific workers numbers surging

06:03 am on 6 November 2018

Australian government minister says the number of Pacific people employed in temporary work schemes over the next year will nearly double.

The assistant minister for international development and the Pacific, Anne Ruston, says under Australia's pledge to step up its relationship with Pacific nations it recognises labour mobility is a key issue.

Don Wiseman asked her how this squares with the difficulties Papua New Guinea has reported in getting more workers into Australia and a new agricultural visa for backpackers that some fear could threaten access for Pacific workers.

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Anne Ruston Photo: Liberal Party of Australia