What will these changes mean for our Pacific and Timor-Leste partners?
- COVID-19 has brought into sharp focus the value of our Pacific labour mobility initiatives, which provide tangible benefits to both our Pacific and Timor-Leste family and Australian farmers and industries.
- The reforms will provide enhanced opportunities for workers to develop skills, earn income and send money home to support their families and communities and the economic growth of their countries.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacific labour mobility has provided much needed remittance flows to Pacific countries hit hard by border closures.
- As we look forward to a life beyond the pandemic, with an altered labour market and growing demand for Pacific and Timor-Leste workers, the new combined and streamlined PALM scheme will ensure it is best positioned for future growth.