Now, after four years as a farmhand in Far North Queensland, he has developed a wide range of new skills and is one of the business' most valued employees.

Learning new skills on Australian farms

Along with 10 other workers from PNG, he performs general duties, like planting, packing and harvesting the farm's watermelons, pumpkins and squash.

I've learnt to drive and operate machinery, I know about irrigation now, and when new workers come, I help show them how to do the job.

PNG is Australia's closest neighbour and has a wealth of strong, capable and reliable workers who are keen to work in Australia. 

As the most populous country in the Pacific after Australia, it offers Australian employers the chance to build long-term relationships that meet their ongoing labour needs. 

Ironbark Citrus in the North Burnett region is another Queensland farm that has seen the benefits of recruiting from PNG. It was one of the first to participate in Australia's Pacific Labour Mobility program and PNG workers formed the backbone of their workforce from the beginning.

"These workers come with a history and culture of subsistence farming," owner Susan Jenkin said.

"They have that understanding of how to grow things, and that forms a foundation and innate understanding of farming."

Almost all of Ironbark Citrus' PNG workers return season after season. This is because they always get plenty of work, which means they can earn and save more money to send home.

Beyond horticulture: PNG workers excel in other industries

Ms Jenkin also attributed their return rate to cultural similarities between Australia and PNG, including a shared sense of humour and a love of rugby league. Horticulture isn't the only industry that PNG workers are making their mark in.

They are also gaining excellent reputations in Australia's meat processing and aged care sectors. Labour hire company Whales Workforce interviewed 60 candidates in PNG for roles in the meat processing sector and found the quality of applicants exceptionally high.

"One of the candidates said he was there to represent the interests of his family, and he would not give up until he succeeds for them," general manager Mario Marinelli said.

I think that sort of determination deserves a chance.

A determined workforce ready for opportunities 

Learn more about Papua New Guinea Workforce Solutions.

Director of PNG's Labour Mobility Unit Hakaua Harry invited PALM scheme employers to come and see the positive impacts of labour mobility on communities across the country.

"Papua New Guinea is an amazing country with hundreds of languages and cultures. We have more than 100 staff throughout the country waiting to assist employers with the selection process and ensure the right people are put forwards for consideration," she said.

PALM scheme employers can visit the PNG Labour Mobility Unit website to learn more about recruiting from Papua New Guinea.

For more information about the PALM scheme, visit labourmobilitypng.com.