Australia seeks more Filipino workers

Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown highlighted the strong demand for Filipino workers in Australia during a courtesy visit with Senator Raffy Tulfo at the Senate.

Tulfo, chair of the Senate committees on migrant workers and public services, noted that around 400,000 Filipinos are currently living or working in Australia, many as nurses, skilled workers, and other healthcare professionals.

The ambassador “commended the work performance of Filipino workers and recognized their contribution to the Australian economy,” according to a news release, which added that Australia “continues to require more skilled workers and prefers to hire more Filipinos.”

Tulfo expressed gratitude for the “excellent treatment” of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Australia, noting that his office “has not received reports of abuse or maltreatment by Australian employers.”

The discussion also covered the rising number of Filipinos pursuing master’s and doctorate scholarships in Australian universities. 

Under current arrangements, scholars can work while studying and bring their families — a setup Tulfo welcomed. He added that Australia is helping returning scholars apply their specialized training in local industries, including agriculture.

On defense and maritime cooperation, Innes-Brown emphasized that the Philippines remains a priority partner. The ambassador cited plans to expand military training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard, and Tulfo highlighted Australia’s donation of drones to enhance maritime patrols and monitoring in the West Philippine Sea.

Tulfo also acknowledged the growth of Australian investments in the Philippines across infrastructure, education, trade, renewable energy, and agriculture, which are expected to create roughly 45,000 jobs nationwide.

He thanked Innes-Brown for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthen the Philippines-Australia partnership.