Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has told Samoans in
Australia to emulate the example of Samoans in New Zealand and try to
seek public office.
Tuilaepa who is on his first state tour of Australia says Samoans have made it to
the New Zealand Parliament, and it will be a landmark in Samoan history when a Samoan stands either in an Australian state parliament or federal government.
He's also urged Samoans to send money to their families back home, saying remittances make up 25% of national income.
Two issues raised by the Samoan communities in Australia are the establishment of community centers in Brisbane and Sydney, and collection of pensions if they wish to move back to Samoa.
The Prime Minister has taken up the issues with state officials who have agreed to follow them up.
