Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson

18/10/2025

02/10/2024

TANKU TUMAS OLGETA (aka thank you so much everyone)

Dear Community voters, Friends, Family, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD families and Pacific Loved Ones...

The election results are IN .. and I am sad to say the odds were against us, but not without the fight for democratic equality seeing our volunteers work so hard to see myself as one of the most senior Councillors and experienced community advocates reelected to no avail.

Team Clover saw only 4 people including the Lord Mayor returned and they will continue the good work to come.

I am incredibly grateful and continue to be humbled by your responses, well wishes and encouragement as I continue to work across our communities with so many wonderful people.

My impact of lived experience is now reflected in policy that will make a lasting difference for marginalised communities especially in Sydney C*D.

The challenges in navigating such a complex amount of work for the City and an institution of this calibre has enhanced my growth and knowledge for future endeavours.

I look forward to CONTINUED community work to bring real change access and equity for authentic voices as we collectively build stronger communities.

I have been requested to host a gathering to explain to OUR community how my voice and yours will no longer be heard as part of the decision making for our City of Sydney Council.

The overwhelming support that the Pyrmont polling booth received calling for diversity and inclusion which I passionately represent was humbling to say the least.

There will be a public meeting and I encourage you all to participate so together we can celebrate OUR achievements this last term and navigate a meaningful way forward in raising our voice to the City.

I also look forward to explaining the complexity of the voting process that made it difficult for your support of me to be registered in the ballot results.

A date will be advised in the near future.

Best wishes and see a message below from Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
https://www.teamclover.com.au/election-2024?fbclid=IwY2xjawFp2U1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQBAgrf-EWZ-pmZS5Iu0YxrU-Hf0-zeOVK_M58QC5X59GYKnQjpzvvSL6Q_aem_0_DZV-9WB_kA63mixKRpAQ

01/10/2024

MEDIA RELEASE – 2nd October 2024.
Federal Government on notice to Appoint an Ombudsman with Investigatory Powers and Help Service to Drive Positive Renewal of the Pacific Australia Mobility Scheme (PALMS)

As chair of Australian South Sea Islanders (Port Jackson) national representative (Waskam) Emelda Davis is calling for the government to monitor and better support Pacific Islanders working in Australia. “Federal Government which oversees the program – needs to introduce an Ombudsman with investigatory powers for unscrupulous employers, and an anonymous help service with structured support systems, including ability to leave employment in unfair conditions and transfer employers.”

“To ensure the success of the PALM scheme we are calling on the Government for more funds to be made available for the successful renewal of the PALM scheme.” As a former City of Sydney Councillor Ms. Davis put forward a motion at the 2023 Local Government NSW annual conference that received unanimous support. The motion called on the Federal Government to fund Council ‘outreach services’ across NSW townships due to the influx of thousands of workers at a time that have no understanding of receiving country legal systems, compliances and social justice entitlements.

“Recognised throughout the Asia Pacific region for our work from a strong cultural framework ASSIPJ are calling to be funded to support a way forward for the PALM scheme as we seek to repair our relationships with the Pacific.”

“Furthermore, as a trusted not for profit ASSIPJ have retained a 75% female led board and Wantok advisory success for close to two decades.”

“We also need to think hard about how to grow and consolidate our Pacific relationships. Not only is the viability of our economies and cultures at stake but the defence of the region.”

Pacific Island Heads of Mission advised they would welcome the support of a legal entity such as an Ombudsman.

“Our request comes on the back of ASSIPJ’s contributions and peer review of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat Comprehensive Assessment of Regional and Sub-Regional Labour Mobility Arrangements in the Pacific”.

Furthermore on a State by State level, Government has to step up and provide direct funding to councils to establish dedicated local service hubs to provide seasonal workers with targeted programs, including by:

(a) connecting seasonal workers with First Nations or traditional owners and other cultural authorities of the area;

(b) providing culturally appropriate and non-biased Pastoral care through Australian South Sea Islander, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) community organisations that demonstrate a deep knowledge of ‘distinct’ cultures and the seasonal worker program and its people;

(c) developing pathways and support outreach programs that connect seasonal workers to organisations that centre on the needs of migrants to assist workers to access culturally sensitive assistance to relevant information, health and mental health; and

(d) working closely with law enforcement authorities in respective councils to educate seasonal workers about law and order and council regulations and entitlements;

e) provide support around financial literacy, financial planning and remittance;

f) provide a culturally appropriate and discrete grievance mechanism, and support for victims exploitation.”

For further comment:

Media Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0416 300 946 Website: assipj.com.au

Resolutions: Local Council Outreach Services for Seasonal Workers:

48. LGNSWhttps://lgnsw.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/Annual%20Conference%20documents/2023/Annual_Conference_2023-Resolutions.pdf

City of Sydney: https://meetings.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?AIId=15726

30/06/2024

29/01/2024

24/01/2024

Proud of our girl Johanna Weyman thriving in NZ with her young family and incredibly supportive fiancé ❤️🌴