PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

17 August 2026, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales met with Mr. Michael McCormack MP, Shadow Minister for Water and for Veterans’ Affairs and former Deputy Prime Minister, at Parliament House on 17 August 2026. They discussed the important contribution of Filipinos to regional Australia particularly in addressing critical workforce needs.

Mr. McCormack highlighted the growing reliance of regional communities on Filipino workers, particularly in healthcare, aged care, childcare, agriculture and hospitality. Drawing from his experience as the Member for Riverina, he noted that workforce shortages continue to affect essential services in regional communities and shared efforts to support the entry of Filipino workers to help address these shortages.

Ambassador Morales noted the developments in migration policy and their impact on Filipino international students and workers. Mr. McCormack acknowledged the important contributions of international students to regional universities and welcomed further insights on enrolment trends, including the participation of Filipino students.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the close Philippines-Australia relationship as the two countries commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Ambassador Morales highlighted the longstanding friendship and the importance of strengthening people-to-people linkages, including through the Filipino community in regional Australia. -END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇦🇺