This page is for Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers who have left their employer or are thinking about leaving.
If you leave your PALM scheme employment and choose to stay in Australia without PALM scheme approved employment, this is called disengagement.
We understand that work and life in Australia can be challenging. You are not alone. If you are having problems, the Australian Government wants to talk with you and help you understand your options.
The Australian Government is made up of different agencies, and each one has a different role. During your time in Australia, you may talk to more than one government agency.
Here are some of the government agencies you may need to talk to about:
| the PALM scheme | help with your job and worker rights | your visa | tax and superannuation (also known as super) |
| Fair Work Ombudsman | Department of Home Affairs | Australian Taxation Office |
Talking to different agencies is normal. Each one is there to help with a certain issue.
Help and support is available
If you are unsure what to do, please contact the PALM scheme support service line as soon as possible. We can help you understand your options.
- Phone: (1800 51 51 31) Monday to Friday. If there is a serious problem, you can call this line any time of the day or night.
- Email: (palm@dewr.gov.au).
What does it mean for me if I disengage?
Disengaging from the PALM scheme can have serious consequences.
| Your visa | Health insurance and support | Work conditions |
Disengagement goes against the conditions of your PALM scheme Temporary Work visa. Your visa may be cancelled. | You may lose access to:
This can place you in a vulnerable situation, especially if you get sick or injured. | If you work for an employer outside the PALM scheme:
|
If you are thinking of leaving your PALM scheme employment, please call the PALM scheme support service line on (1800 51 51 31). We are here to help you.
If I have disengaged, what are my options?
There are options available. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations calls these options the three Rs:
What is right for you depends on your situation.
1. Recourse - resolve matters with your employer
You can talk to your original PALM scheme employer to try to resolve the issues and return to approved PALM scheme work.
- The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations can support discussions (including any work-related grievances) with your employer.
- The Fair Work Ombudsman may also be able to help.
2. Repatriate - return home
You can choose to return to your home country.
This allows you to complete the mandatory offshore period. The mandatory offshore period is a required time when you must leave Australia and stay in your home country. This period begins when you finish certain PALM scheme work or return home. You must complete this period before you can return to Australia to work again under the PALM scheme.
When you have completed this period, you can contact your country’s labour sending unit (LSU) if you want to come back to Australia under the PALM scheme again. Visit this page to find your country’s LSU contact details.
3. Remain - stay in the PALM scheme
You may be able to:
- ask to be re-engaged into the PALM scheme (if eligible), or
- seek visa advice from the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent about other lawful visa options.
If you have a problem with your employment
If you have a problem with your employment that you cannot resolve with your employer, this is called a grievance. A grievance can also be when you feel you have been treated unfairly.
The government may be able to help you if you:
- left your employer because problems were not resolved, or
- were terminated and believe this was unfair.
How we can help
- We may investigate the issue.
- We can help you discuss the problem with your employer.
- We may support you to return to work or explore other options, depending on your circumstances.
How to lodge a grievance
You can lodge a grievance by:
- completing the online grievance form, or
- calling the PALM scheme support service line on (1800 51 51 31) or emailing (PALM@dewr.gov.au).
More information about grievances is available in:
Re-engagement into the PALM scheme
The government understands that some workers leave their jobs for reasons outside their control. We are committed to giving eligible workers a fair chance to return to the PALM scheme. This process is called re-engagement.
How re-engagement works
- Each request is looked at based on your own circumstances.
- Not all requests are approved or lead to re-engagement.
- If you are assessed as suitable, we will try to place you with a new PALM scheme employer.
You may be considered for re-engagement if you:
- have asked to be re-engaged
- hold a valid subclass 403 visa with at least 6 months left on your visa
- have a valid reason for re-engagement
- have no criminal matters before the courts.
Other support that may be available
Depending on your situation, you may be able to seek other help.
Country liaison officers
Country liaison officers can provide support and guidance. You can find their contact details on the Contact page.
They can help you contact the government or speak to us on your behalf.
Emergency Support Funding
In some cases, the government may be able to provide short-term financial support. Information about the Emergency Support Fund is available on the PALM scheme website.
Home Affairs - Homeward Program
If you do not hold a valid visa, the Homeward program may provide financial assistance to help you return home. Access more information on the Homeward website.
Community support services
Local community groups may be able to help with:
- accommodation
- food and water
- other essential services.
This may include faith-based groups or charities such as The Salvation Army. Visit this page to find out more information about the Community Connections program.
Have questions or need to talk to someone?
You can call the PALM scheme support service line on (1800 51 51 31), or email (palm@dewr.gov.au) between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm AEDT. If there is a serious problem, you can call the support service line any time of the day or night.
For country liaison officer and labour attaché contact details, please visit the Contact page.