Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown cited strong demand for Filipino workers in Australia in his courtesy call with Senator Raffy Tulfo at the Senate.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate committees on migrant workers and public services, said on Friday around 400,000 Filipinos are living or employed in Australia, many serving as nurses, skilled workers and other healthcare professionals.

He said Innes-Brown, whom he met last Feb. 18, commended the work performance of Filipino workers and recognized their contribution to the Australian economy, with the news release stating that Australia “continues to require more skilled workers and prefers to hire more Filipinos.”

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

The two officials also discussed the growing number of Filipinos enrolling in master’s and doctorate scholarship programs in Australian universities.

Under existing arrangements, Filipino scholars are allowed to work while studying and may bring their families with them — a setup Tulfo welcomed.

Tulfo further said Australia has ongoing initiatives to help Filipino scholars immediately apply their specialized training upon returning to the Philippines, including agricultural courses designed to benefit local industries.

On defense and maritime cooperation, he said the ambassador underscored that the Philippines remains a priority partner for Australia as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties.

The senator said Innes-Brown cited plans to expand military training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Tulfo also acknowledged Australia’s donation of drones to the Philippine Coast Guard, saying these would enhance maritime patrols and territorial monitoring in the West Philippine Sea, as well as support efforts to promote regional stability.

He noted the expansion of Australian investments in the Philippines in infrastructure, education, trade, renewable energy and agriculture, which are projected to generate about 45,000 jobs nationwide.

Tulfo thanked Innes-Brown for the visit and conveyed his commitment to continue working with the Australian government to deepen the longstanding Philippines-Australia partnership. (PNA)