The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from 9 Pacific islands and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available.

Through the PALM scheme, eligible businesses can recruit workers for short-term jobs for up to 9 months or long-term roles for between one and 4 years in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions.

The PALM scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia and nationally for agriculture and select agriculture-related food product manufacturing sectors by offering employers access to a pool of reliable, productive workers. It also allows Pacific and Timor-Leste workers to take up jobs in Australia, develop their skills and send income home.

 

Temporary process for transport plan variations impacted by fuel supply issues 

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has developed a process for managing temporary changes to transport costs under PALM scheme transport plans due to impacts of fuel supply issues. 

This is a temporary, operational measure and not a policy change. PALM scheme employer obligations and worker protections remain unchanged.

What you need to know: 

  • Workers must continue to receive a net financial benefit.Any change to transport cost deductions must be in accordance with the minimum requirements of any relevant law, including the Fair Work Act 2009, including (without limitation) that the deduction is agreed to in writing by the worker and is principally for the worker’s benefit. 
  • The temporary process applies to transport cost changes impacted by the fuel supply issues only. All other requirements related to approved transport plans remain unchanged.
  • The process supports consistent handling and oversight across the PALM scheme. A step-by-step process for PALM scheme employers is now available on the PALM scheme website.

Employers with questions should contact their Relationship Manager or contact the PALM scheme support service via phone (1800 51 51 31) or email (palm@dewr.gov.au).

Fuel supply update for the PALM scheme

The Australian Government is monitoring pressures on fuel supply and price relating to conflicts in the Middle East.

Australia’s overall fuel supply remains secure, however localised shortages may occur due to increased demand in some areas. PALM scheme workers should continue to attend work as usual unless advised otherwise by their employer. The welfare and wellbeing of PALM scheme workers remains a priority.

PALM scheme employers are expected to continue meeting their obligations under the PALM scheme Approved Employer Deed of Agreement and PALM scheme Approved Employer Guidelines, including transport and worker welfare and wellbeing arrangements. 

For more information, please contact your relationship manager or the PALM scheme support service on (1800 51 51 31) or via email (palm@dewr.gov.au).

iComply Horticultural Compliance Specialists is no longer a PALM scheme Approved Employer

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has terminated the PALM scheme Deed of Agreement of Approved Employer, iComply Horticultural Compliance Specialists Pty Ltd (iComply), due to non-compliance with the Deed. 

The department redeployed all workers to other PALM scheme approved employers ahead of termination and continues to engage with workers to ensure they are supported under new employers. 

  • Worker on tracktor

Want to join the PALM scheme as an employer?

If you are an Australian business needing additional workers you may be able to source them through the PALM scheme. You will need to check your eligibility and the requirements you will need to meet.

Australian businesses can access PALM scheme workers either by applying to become an approved employer or recruiting through an approved PALM scheme labour hire company.

Learn more about becoming an approved employer.

Want to join the PALM scheme as a worker?

If you are a resident of one of the participating countries and want to apply to join the PALM scheme, you will need to check your eligibility and contact your country’s labour sending unit.

Learn more about signing up as a worker.

Supporting workers while they are living in Australia

The wellbeing of Pacific and Timor-Leste workers in Australia is of the highest priority for the Australian Government. All participating workers have the same rights and protections as Australian workers.

A range of measures is in place to protect workers, including stringent employer vetting, a rigorous monitoring and compliance framework, regular spot checks and a support service phone line. Workers are also encouraged and supported to connect to their local communities across Australia.

Learn more about PALM scheme employers' obligations to ensure workers are supported, or read the PALM scheme grievance management policy.