Zed Seselja (ACT, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

It's an outstanding question. Since our Pacific initiatives recommenced in September last year, more than 10,600 Pacific workers have arrived from seven participating Pacific nations and Timor-Leste. In the next few weeks another 1,000 Pacific workers will arrive, with a further 27,000 Pacific workers ready and waiting to come to Australia.

This is immediate action to address workforce shortages in regional Australia as part of the PM's commitment to double the number of Pacific workers in Australia by March 2022. We'll shortly announce practical improvements to these programs to offer greater flexibility and less red tape for Australian employers. These changes will boost worker welfare and deliver Pacific workers, who, throughout COVID-19, have proven themselves to be the lifeblood of regional business, ensuring meat could be processed and crops could be harvested.

These programs are a win-win for Australia and our Pacific family. We look forward to welcoming more Pacific workers and the invaluable contribution they make to Australia at this challenging time. (Time expired)