10,000 local workers now employed under PALM scheme

By Lachlan Eddie

The Australian Government and Solomon Islands Government (SIG) have celebrated a significant milestone, with 10,000 Solomon Islands workers now employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in Australia.

The celebration was held at the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade at the National Stadium, East Honiara, yesterday.

In his address, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the scheme has transformed the lives of many Solomon Islanders.

“Today we celebrate a huge milestone of over 10,000 Solomon Islanders who have traveled to Australia under the PALM scheme. This is not just about work—it represents life-changing opportunities to support families and communities, and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together,” he said.

His Excellency Hilton expressed appreciation for the SIG, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the Labour Mobility Unit, whose work enables the government to establish policies and practices that guide recruitment under the PALM scheme.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shannel Agovaka, said he wants the country to increase participation to 20,000 workers. He announced that Solomon Islands has recently established two LMU structures: the standard LMU and LMU Plus.

This approach aims to ensure equal participation across all 50 constituencies, preventing the burden of recruitment from falling solely on the main LMU.

“All 50 constituencies of Solomon Islands will participate in this recruitment,” he said.

Minister Agovaka emphasized that the LMU partnership with Australia and New Zealand is crucial to the program’s success.

“The partnership requires two essential elements: cooperation and respect. Without one or the other, there is no true partnership,” he said, adding that he treasures these relationships.

Meanwhile, Minister Agovaka also urged PALM workers in both Australia and New Zealand to focus on their work so their efforts can benefit their families, communities, and the country.

He also encouraged workers to serve as good ambassadors for Solomon Islands in both nations.

The PALM scheme has benefited the country through remittances sent back by workers employed under the program.

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