Fiji, PNG Move Towards Workplace Safety Agreement

Fiji and Papua New Guinea are moving closer to signing an agreement to strengthen cooperation on workplace health and safety.

A delegation from PNG’s National Occupational Health and Safety Workplace Council visited Fiji as the two countries work towards finalising a Memorandum of Understanding.

PNG’s Chief Commissioner for Workers’ Compensation, Martin Pala, paid a courtesy visit following his attendance at the Minister’s funeral on Sunday, reaffirming his country’s commitment to the proposed agreement.

The visit follows discussions between the two countries’ Employment Ministers on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Maritino Nemani, said the focus was now on translating those commitments into practical benefits for workers.

“Our Ministers have met and agreed on the importance of greater cooperation. Our responsibility now is to take that forward and turn it into practical outcomes for our workers,” he said.

Discussions covered sharing best practices, technical assistance, capacity building and cooperation between institutions responsible for occupational health and safety.

Nemani said Pacific countries could draw on each other’s experience to address common workplace challenges.

“We do not always have to look outside our region for solutions. Pacific countries have considerable knowledge and experience that we can share with each other,” he said.

The proposed MOU will provide a framework for continued cooperation between Fiji and PNG.

“Ultimately, this cooperation is about making our workplaces safer and ensuring our workers return home safely to their families,” Nemani said.