Ministry launches strategy to combat misinformation on labour schemes

A new communication strategy has been launched by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

The strategy aims to combat misinformation and ensure Fijians receive accurate information on Government services and labour mobility programmes.

Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations permanent secretary Jone Maritino Nemani said the strategy was introduced in response to growing misinformation and disinformation, particularly surrounding programmes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

The launch was held at Civic House in Suva yesterday.

Mr Nemani said communication was critical in today’s digital era, where false information could easily spread and mislead the public. He said the strategy would ensure information released by the ministry and Government remained accurate, reliable and accessible to Fijians.

Concerns were also raised about agents allegedly attempting to profit from vulnerable people seeking to register under the PALM scheme.

Registration for the programme is free and applicants can directly access services through the ministry and its agencies without paying intermediaries.

The ministry also plans to launch a mobile application that will allow the public to access ministry services and obtain verified information directly.

“The communication strategy will also strengthen internal processes within the ministry to ensure staff communicate correct and verified information to the public,” Mr Nemani said.

The strategy is part of broader Government efforts to improve transparency, strengthen public trust and ensure no Fijian is left behind in accessing Government services.

The ministry also acknowledged its communications and media teams for helping promote Government programmes and ensuring the public receives accurate information about the ministry’s work.