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AAP
AAP
Politics
Dominic Giannini and Kat Wong

New Australian Pacific visa scheme gets green light

Australia Penny Wong Discrimination Greens
The scheme will strengthen ties with the Pacific region, Foreign Minister Penny Wong says. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Thousands of Pacific islanders will be offered a path to Australian life after a government effort to boost regional employment and address shortages was given the green light. 

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles secured the votes of the Greens to have the Pacific visa scheme legislation pass the Senate after agreeing to a review of the significant costs threshold in a bid to reduce discrimination.

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