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ACFID Commends Labor's Seasonal Worker Initiative
ACFID Media Release
18 August 2008
13/08
ACFID COMMENDS LABOR’S SEASONAL WORKER INITIATIVE
'ACFID congratulates the Labor government on starting a pilot seasonal worker program for Pacific Island countries', said Paul O’Callaghan, ACFID’s Executive Director.
'Pacific Island leaders have sought such a scheme for the last four years as one way to provide training and income generation opportunities for their people,' he said.
'In Island countries with 20-50% youth unemployment in the main towns, a well-regulated scheme of this kind goes a long way to creating hope for young people who have few avenues to get jobs or raise capital in small and isolated Island economies,' he said.
'This scheme will help many Islander families send their children to school and get better access to health services. Results from a similar trial in New Zealand trial show that participants in that scheme have invested not only in their houses and in small business start-ups, but also into local school, water supply and other community services,' he said.
Mr O’Callaghan noted the World Bank[1] conclusion that such a scheme would also make a significant contribution to improving economic and social stability over time, especially by reducing unemployment and increasing access to capital for local business.
'Australia has the largest labour market in the region. As the World Bank report showed, access to our labour market will be a critical factor for the long-term viability of Pacific Island economies and their communities. As long as the appropriate protection standards are assured for the seasonal workers, ACFID fully endorses Labor’s timely initiative,' he said.
For further information, contact:
Paul O’Callaghan
Executive Director
Ph: 0434 142 069
[1] World Bank 2006 report 'At Home and Away' prepared by senior economists led by Dr Manjula Luthria at the Bank’s Sydney office.
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