Recruiting through the PALM scheme saved this fishing business
Angelica Fisheries on the New South Wales south coast joined the PALM scheme (formerly the Pacific Labour Scheme) in 2018. The business had struggled to find local labour and now employs 3 workers from Tuvalu. One of the owners, Steve Basile, says being able to access workers from Pacific island countries saved the business.
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.
What welfare and wellbeing support is available for workers?
- PALM scheme employers are required to provide ongoing wellbeing and welfare support for workers as part of their conditions for participation in the scheme.
- A range of measures is in place to protect Pacific and Timor-Leste workers:
- All PALM scheme employers must meet stringent criteria in order to participate in the scheme.
When did the PALM scheme visa commence?
- On 4 April 2022, the Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa - Pacific Australia Labour Mobility stream came into effect. This created the consolidated PALM scheme visa stream. It extends visa validity for up to 4 years for long-term worker placements and enables eligible short-term workers to transfer into long-term placements onshore.
Who can I contact with questions?
- Please contact the PALM scheme support service line at (1800 515 131) if you have any questions, or email (palm@dewr.gov.au). Please note the support service line and email inbox are monitored 8.30 am to 6.30 pm AEST – calls after hours should be for critical incidents only.
Who is primarily responsible for the management and operation of the PALM scheme?
- The PALM scheme is managed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- DEWR and DFAT will continue to work closely with other responsible government agencies including the Department of Home Affairs, Australian Border Force and the Fair Work Ombudsman to ensure the integrity of the scheme is maintained.
What is the difference between the short-term and long-term streams under the PALM scheme?
- Under the PALM scheme there are 2 cohorts of workers:
- short-term workers who can access a multi-year visa to return to Australia for placements of up to 9 months each year for 4 years
- long-term workers who can work in placements of between one and 4 years.
Does the PALM scheme replace the Seasonal Worker Programme and the Pacific Labour Scheme?
- The Seasonal Worker Programme and the Pacific Labour Scheme were consolidated into the single PALM scheme in July 2023, with a single program deed and guidelines.
What is the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme?
- The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from 9 Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available.
- PALM scheme employers can hire workers to fill unskilled, low-skilled or semi-skilled positions for short-term placements of up to 9 months or long-term placements of between one and 4 years.
- Short-term and long-term workers can be employed in all regional and rural postcodes, except for agriculture and agriculture-related food product manufacturing, where there