Jobs on the rise in Australia

While American firms are now cutting on jobs affecting Filipino workers, Australia on the other hand is demanding for more Filipino workers amid the economic meltdown.

Australia Embassy to the Philippines minister and deputy head of mission Stephen Scott said that companies in Australia have a lot to offer for Filipinos such as jobs and the opportunity to migrate in the land down under.

Scott said although just like any other country that has felt the effects of the US credit crunch, Australia’s strong economic fundamentals have shielded the country from being badly threatened economically.

Despite threats of a global recession, the ample job opportunities in Australia still make up for the dwindling demand for nurses, engineers, geologists, electricians, and welders, among others in other countries.

"There is a wide range of industries in Australia that demand for more manpower. Filipinos are needed in Australia," Scott said.

Scott was in Cebu Thursday night to grace the formal opening of the 4th Australia Film Festival held at the Ayala Center Cebu Cinema that will run from October 16 to 18.

The Australia government has been able to shield its economy well from being adversely affected by the global recession that started in the US.

He added that the Australian government has allocated big budget to cushion the effect of the US economic crash, so as not to affect the core of the Australian economy, the reason why most companies are still needing workforce.

On the other hand, Scott said the Philippines specifically Cebu could capitalize some good export quality products for the Australian market. He mentioned the good potential of Cebu-made furniture to penetrate the Australian market.

Aside from furniture, fashion accessories and other home furnishing products made in the Philippines have a potential market in Australia. Moreover, Australia is one of Philippines' biggest markets in electronics exports.

In June of this year, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), announced its support to interested businesses from the Visayas to avail of the grants provided through the Enterprise Challenge Fund (ECF) for the Pacific and East Asia.

This Australian grants ranging from P3.8 million to P57 million (A$100,000 to A$1.5 million) are made available through an open competitive process.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith earlier said that Australia would like to see the private sector in the Philippines taking advantage of new and emerging opportunities, which can create lasting jobs, improve incomes, increase access to vital goods and services and stimulate the local economy.

ECF is an innovative means of assisting businesses overcome barriers to market access. — Ehda M. Dagooc