MANILA — Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown met with Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committees on Migrant Workers and Public Services, on February 18 at the Senate to discuss issues affecting Filipino workers in Australia and broader bilateral cooperation.

The meeting focused on the estimated 400,000 Filipino workers currently living or employed in Australia, many of whom are nurses, skilled workers, and healthcare professionals. Ambassador Innes-Brown praised the strong performance of Filipinos in Australia and noted the continued demand for skilled workers, emphasizing a preference for hiring more Filipinos.

Sen. Tulfo thanked the ambassador for the “excellent treatment” of Filipino workers in Australia, noting that his office has received no reports of abuse or mistreatment by Australian employers.

The ambassador also highlighted the increasing number of Filipinos enrolling in master’s and doctorate programs at Australian universities. While studying, these scholars are allowed to work and bring their families, a program welcomed by Tulfo.

Australia has also launched initiatives to ensure Filipino scholars can immediately apply their specialized training upon returning to the Philippines. These include programs such as advanced agricultural courses aimed at benefiting the country.

On defense and maritime cooperation, Ambassador Innes-Brown reiterated that the Philippines remains a priority partner for Australia. He said both countries are working to expand military exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Tulfo expressed gratitude for Australia’s recent donation of drones to the PCG, noting their usefulness in maritime patrols and monitoring the West Philippine Sea.

The ambassador also mentioned plans to expand Australian investments in the Philippines across infrastructure, education, trade, renewable energy, and agriculture, projects expected to generate employment for around 45,000 Filipinos.

Sen. Tulfo concluded the meeting by thanking Ambassador Innes-Brown for his visit and pledging to continue strengthening the Philippines-Australia relationship.