Frequently asked questions

To make it easier for you to find the information you need, these questions are filtered by audience and topic in 5 categories: What’s new, general, prospective employers, current employers and workers.

What is the process for lodging grievances in the PALM scheme?

The PALM scheme grievance management policy provides clear information and guidance on how DEWR will manage grievances (unresolved conflicts) between PALM scheme workers and employers to ensure they are managed in a way that is fair, accessible, responsive, efficient and integrated within the PALM scheme's core business.

The policy will be regularly reviewed and updated as appropriate to ensure it continues to be fit for purpose and is effectively addressing unresolved grievances for PALM scheme workers.

A PALM scheme grievance lodgement form is also available.

I would like to come to Australia to work under the PALM scheme. How can I apply?

If you are interested in working in Australia under the PALM scheme you should contact the labour sending unit in your country.
Workers must be a minimum of 21 years of age for both the short-term and long-term streams under the PALM scheme.

Can I move to a long-term placement from a short-term placement?

Short-term PALM scheme workers may be eligible to transition to a long-term placement without having to leave Australia.
Subclass 408 visa holders are not eligible to apply for a long-term PALM scheme placement.

What are mandatory offshore periods?

Short-term PALM scheme workers must spend a mandatory period of 3 months offshore each year. This means workers must leave for 3 months after being in Australia for 9 months, before starting another short-term PALM scheme placement.
Long-term workers must spend a mandatory period of 6 months offshore after 4 years of participation in the PALM scheme. This means workers must leave for 6 months after being in Australia for 4 years, before starting another long-term PALM scheme placement.