Regional activists caution about PACER Plus

Updated November 16, 2009 18:16:00

With Pacific island nations currently in discussions on a proposed free trade deal, PACER Plus, and both Australia and New Zealand having launched temporary guest workers schemes for Pacific islanders, globalisation is a hot topic.

Joining Bruce Hill to discuss these issues are two activists from the region. Maureen Penjueli from Fiji is coordinator of the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG), which links regional community, church and women's organisations to raise awareness about the impacts of PACER Plus. And John Salong from Vanuatu is director of the Vanuatu Women's Development Scheme, a non-government microfinance group, which provides disadvantaged women with access to credit and income earning opportunities. John has been active in the debate about remittances, seasonal labour mobility and development options for rural communities in Vanuatu.

They're in Australia sponsored by the aid NGO Aidwatch, and will be meeting with government, union and community groups to talk about labour mobility and development issues.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speakers: John Salong, director of the Vanuatu Women's Development Scheme; Maureen Penjueli, coordinator of the Pacific Network on Globalisation in Fiji