29 March 2021 (Canberra) – Over 60 representatives of placement agencies and Filipino workers participated in the webinar organized by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-Canberra) on the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian labor market and Filipino workers held on 25 March 2021.

In view of the significant changes in labor mobility and in line with the Philippine Embassy’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Australia relations this year, Philippines Labor Attache in Australia Cynthia Lamban invited officials from the governments of Australia and the Philippines to discuss current regulations on labor migration. Director Levinson Alcantara from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed the drastic decline in the deployment of Filipino workers to Australia in 2020 and discussed the current challenges to labor mobility. Mr. Jeffrey Kam from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) made a presentation on the COVID-19 response of FWO and how these services were accessed by workers including Filipino workers.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega said, “This webinar demonstrates the commitment of the Philippines and Australia to provide the enabling environment for industries and workers to pursue economic opportunities and contribute in the economic recovery.”

Mr. Tony Mitchener of In Work Pty Ltd discussed the current trends in the Australian labor market in particular how the pandemic had different effects on different industries and even on specific sub-sectors. He talked about Australia’s efforts to address the persistent problem on skills shortage and how the pandemic will result in significant employment restructuring including increased automation. The international borders of Australia remain closed until June 2021.

Director Levinson Alcantara of the Pre-employment Services Office of the POEA discussed developments in overseas deployment of Filipino workers during the webinar organized by POLO-Canberra on 25 March.

From January to March 2021, POLO-Canberra processed over 400 job orders to fill-in shortages in critical industries in Australia. – END