Australia’s seasonal worker pilot scheme for Pacific Islanders—Ideas for the Next Phase, 2008

In August 2008, the Australian Government initiated a seasonal worker pilot scheme for Pacific Islanders to examine whether a seasonal worker program could contribute to the Pacific region economic development objectives and also assist Australian employers.

Even in a contracting Australian economy, the seasonal worker program should remain a high priority, in particular for the development dividend it produces in worker-sending countries. As the seasonal worker program expands, Melanesian and post-conflict countries such as East Timor should be accorded high priority.