One hundred and six Fijian families participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are now able to relocate their families to Australia, thanks to the new Family Accompaniment Pilot program that was launched recently.
These selected workers have undergone pre-departure briefings in various locations including Suva, Nadi, and Labasa. The briefings are designed to provide essential information on various topics such as cultural integration, financial literacy, health and emergency preparedness, parenting rights and responsibilities, access to government benefits, education options, and housing arrangements.
Once in Australia, families will have access to significant benefits, such as the Family Tax Benefit, Childcare Subsidy, and Medicare. Furthermore, the partners of PALM scheme workers will have the opportunity to seek employment, while their children will be able to enroll in schools, thereby integrating into the local community.
This initiative presents a promising opportunity for Fijian families, allowing them to build better lives in Australia while simultaneously supporting their loved ones in Fiji. It stands as a testament to the growing ties between Fiji and Australia, fostering cross-cultural connections and strengthening family bonds.
Overall, the Family Accompaniment Pilot not only enhances the work-life balance for these 106 families but also holds the potential for a brighter future through improved educational and healthcare opportunities.
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