More Fijians will now have the chance to go and work temporarily in Australia.

This is after the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Jioji Konrote signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Australian Seasonal Workers Scheme at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.

“Our selection process for seasonal workers is going to be stringent to ensure that workers who are selected through our National Employment Centre (NEC) are going to do a good job in Australia to the satisfaction of the employers,” Mr Konrote said.

“The signing of this MOU between our two governments in support of Australia’s Seasonal Workers Programme marks another important and historical milestone in our bilateral relations which has continued to improve in recent months. A relationship that was strained and frosty for sometime has now thawed and is fast becoming warmer.”

Mr Konrote said they would now focus on selecting Fijian seasonal workers to Australia.

“We will endeavour to attain a win-win outcome which should be mutually beneficial for both our countries as these workers will be assigned for six months.”

Meanwhile, Australian Parliamentary Secretary Foreign Affairs and Trade, Steve Ciobo said seasonal workers would have the opportunity to learn new skills in Australia which could enhance their opportunities and job prospects in Fiji.

“The Australian government is working with the Government of Fiji to build a more dynamic, forward-looking and productive relationship,” Mr Ciobo said.

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