BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the government is looking at increasing labour mobility opportunities for Solomon Islanders while working towards creating more jobs locally in the future.
Speaking to local journalists following his return to the country yesterday, Prime Minister Wale acknowledged that participation under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand has remained around the 1,000-worker mark for many years.
However, he revealed that government is now taking steps to expand opportunities abroad, including exploring new areas and strengthening liaison efforts.
“We can expect increases, both local and new areas are being explored for increasing employment and also RSE in New Zealand,” he said.
The Prime Minister said a liaison officer will be appointed soon to support labour mobility arrangements, particularly in relation to New Zealand opportunities.
He said that labour mobility programmes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand’s RSE programme are transitional measures that aim to support Solomon Islanders while the country works to strengthen its domestic economy.
“Because the economy has been neglected for so long, we have allowed this economy to just be what it is,” he said.
He said too many Solomon Islanders still lack access to employment and business opportunities despite the country’s resources and potential.
“That’s why you need to send them all out,” Wale said, referring to overseas labour opportunities.
Despite supporting labour mobility, the Prime Minister said his long-term vision is for Solomon Islanders to eventually find sustainable employment opportunities within the country instead of having to leave their families behind to work overseas.
“But I look forward to the day when we will not be sending anybody out because everybody will be engaged in their own customary land right here in Solomon Islands,” he said.
He added that the government’s broader vision under the coalition administration is to create economic opportunities locally where Solomon Islanders can earn incomes comparable to those offered in Australia and New Zealand.
“The aim is to create those opportunities right here in Solomon Islands, earning the same kind of money you would be earning in Queensland, earning right here in your own land,” Wale said.
He acknowledged that achieving such ambitions will take time and require strong partnerships and investment support, but said it remains the government’s long-term direction.
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