Comments

Good post thanks Stephen. I have some other concerns -- the submission window has been over the Christmas/New Year period, which is always a busy time and now lots of us have had a shocker of a summer. I'm wondering -- why the rush? Is it going to influence the budget process, is that why there's the time pressure? What is the end goal? Also there's the question of other recent submissions to nowhere -- there's been nothing come out from the 2018 soft power review, for example, which could have had some useful content to inform this review if communicating value and impact is apparently an important component?

Internet speed is what really matters when one needs internet for a purpose. It has become evident that Telcos advertising slogan of "UNLIMITED" data promos are technically channelled in the backend through narrow bandwidth, resulting in very slow internet speed. Packets dropping, connection timeout etc in a slow connection without actually accomplishing the task intended on internet in a time, is an unsatisfying user experience. Internet speed is one tradeoff when assessing the cost.

Thanks for being in touch Daniel. The application process for these things can be very frustrating, as someone who has spent time unemployed myself I very much sympathise. Do you have any ideas on how the process could be improved? I feel like the root of the problem is Timor-Leste's economic and demographic situation. Something like 30,000 reach working age each year. Most of these people want paying jobs. This puts SEFOPE in a very difficult position when selecting people for programs like the PLS. There are just too many good candidates.

Hey Polly, thanks for sharing your experiences. It's interesting you feel like your treatment in the PLS is better than in the SWP. How so (oinsaa)? As far as I can see with the SWP there is a lot of variation from place to place. Many are very good. A few are not. There are supposed to be systems in place (tuir lolos) to ensure that everyone in the SWP gets the pay and conditions they are supposed to, but whether they always work is another matter. Sorti diak ho ita nia bisnis. Hau hein atu hasoru fali imi kalu hau kunjungi.

Hi Maun Mike Rose, we have glad if we will become the permanent residence! I am as ex- swp was comparing the Seasonal Worker Program with Pacific Labour Scheme was a better PLS program. The reason why? Pacific Labour Scheme is all facility and treatment according to Australian workplace laws, I am so pleased to be part of the Pacific Labour Scheme get new experience such as culture, rights and religion in the community we are living. Likewise, get enough money sends back home to support my families for schooling, in addition, doing a small business to contribute to the development of our country. Obrigado Maun, ba article ida nee.

This program very interesting for young people in Timor leste but very hard to apply base my experience two years I worked in Hillwood farm in Tasmania Australia but two times I submit my dicuments didn't pass and send me back that you application is late but I am always early submitbase on that I feel why it's happen

Hi Moses, thanks for your comment. All great points. There are many Australians today whose ancestors originally come here to work in agriculture. They have made Australia a better place, and have very often been able to help relatives and friends in their home countries. Of course what a pathway to permanency in the PLS would look like we don't yet know (the SWP, as it is about seasonal labour, is a seperate issue I think) but it is certainly something that needs to be considered.

Obrigadu Abelita. Hau konkorda katak programa ne'e diak.

Kerry, thanks for your positive input. There have been concerns in some circles that opening up a pathway to permanent settlement in the PLS might lure away talented people who are needed at home – 'brain drain' is the term that gets used. I however am inclined to agree with you that Pacific/TL workers settled in Australia are coming from places where ties to land and kin run deep, and will likely continue to contribute even if given the chance to resettle in Australia.

Absolutely agree that Permanent Residency should be an option for our Pacific neighbours who have already proven their worth and commitment to Australia, Australians – and helped in the success & increased productivity of those Australian businesses who employ them. They already have a track record in Australia since arriving under the 403 visa programs. This is a fantastic way to prove what amazing role models as new Australian residents they would be. Pacific Islanders will never leave their country behind. They will always send remittances home to aid the extended family and villages no matter how long they stay in Australia. I am an employer of workers under both the SWP & the PLS and our rural region of Australia is far better off having these workers call our small town home whilst they are with us. They are respected for their work ethic, loved and welcomed by our local community and will always hold a place in the hearts of their new extended families.

Hi Sonya, I have marvellous memories of staying in your father's house, playing with your family. (Are the girls still knitting?) Great to hear of your achievements and the begining your business journey. Good luck Sonya

Hi Amanda - it certainly is a moving feast. One thing we have discovered is that not all bundles available are visible on all platforms. The Digicel website, for example, has 30 day 50GB @ around K200 - but this can't be seen via the #777* top-up number. 50GB @ K200 (K0.004 per MB) isn't too bad considering just over a year ago we were paying K600 for 10GB. Almost Netflixable 🙂 Other recent good news is that in Alotau, consistent down/up speeds of 40/40mbps are being achieved through the 3/4G network. VERY fast considering we only achieve 11/0.5mbps through our NBN in Adelaide. Things might be looking up!