Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Mr. Robert Sisilo, has described the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme as “the big game in town” during a high-level meeting with Australia’s peak farming body last week.

Sisilo met with the President of the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Mr. David Jochinke, to highlight the importance of the PALM Scheme to both the Solomon Islands and Australia.

“The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme is the big game in town,” Sisilo said.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Sisilo revealed that remittances from Solomon Islands workers in Australia and New Zealand rose by 68% in 2024, reaching SBD$475.5 million—more than double the remittances of 2023.

He said these funds are now the third-largest foreign exchange earner, after logging and cocoa exports.

Sisilo urged NFF members to consider recruiting more workers from the Solomon Islands under both short- and long-term employment streams.

In response, Mr. Jochinke reaffirmed NFF’s support for the PALM Scheme, noting the value of the partnership.

“The NFF and its members are committed to working with your government and other stakeholders to build a better PALM Scheme,” he said.

“It is an important mechanism for both our countries, and its continued success will depend on it being designed to meet the needs of both workers and Australian employers.” Jochinke said.

High Commissioner Sisilo said that sustainability must be rooted in fairness and shared responsibility.

“As a sending country, we want our workers to be treated fairly in their workplaces, accommodations, pay, and overall wellbeing.

“But this must also work for employers. The only way forward is a win-win situation for all stakeholders, the workers, the employers, Solomon Islands, and Australia.” Sisilo said

The PALM Scheme continues to be a vital part of Solomon Islands’ economic development and a key pillar of cooperation with Australia.