Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said today’s announcement to expand the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme will help tourism operators in Broome meet the challenge of finding enough workers in peak periods.
In addition to inviting Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to join the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme, the Government will also trial a new seasonal labour mobility arrangement under the banner of the pilot to offer workers from East Timor the opportunity to undertake seasonal work in the tourism sector in Broome.
“We know Australia’s tourism industry has been struggling over a long period to find and compete for workers, particularly in regional areas. The Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme has been very successful in the horticulture industry so it makes sense to trial this proven approach in the tourism sector,” Minister Ferguson said.
“This is a win-win. The expansion of the Pilot Scheme recognises the importance of tourism and services exports to both East Timor and Broome’s local economies.
“Workers from East Timor will have the opportunity to be paid to train and work in Broome for four to six months in tourism enterprises who show they can not source sufficient labour locally to meet seasonal demands.
“Workers will be employed in accordance with Australian work standards and will be supported throughout their stay by approved employers who must provide pastoral care assistance and help for the workers to engage with local communities.
“The Pilot will build on the existing close ties between Broome and East Timor which have been generated through the successful Pilot Pearl Production Cadetship program and help fill labour shortages.
“By gaining skills in Australia, workers will be encouraged to take their expertise back to East Timor to help boost tourism and employment.
“The expansion of the pilot is an opportunity to trial the first seasonal workers scheme for the tourism sector in a regional area.
“We look forward to working with East Timor to continue to strengthen our cultural and economic ties.”
Further information about the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme is available at www.deewr.gov.au/pswps.