In March 2026, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme stakeholders came together in Cairns for a regional stakeholder briefing. The briefing focused on strengthening connections across the PALM scheme and sharing the Australian Government’s work to prevent worker disengagement and support positive outcomes for PALM scheme workers.
The briefing brought together government officials, country liaison officers, police liaison officers from the Queensland Police Service, community services, community and faith leaders, and local council representatives. This broad representation reflected the shared role stakeholders play in supporting PALM scheme workers and employers at the local level.
Creating a space for collaboration
Coordinated by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), the briefing provided a collaborative forum for discussing how government and stakeholders can more effectively prevent, deter, detect and respond to disengagement across the PALM scheme.
Community leaders and representatives shared practical insights into the challenges faced by PALM scheme workers, including the types of support workers may need when experiencing disengagement or seeking pathways to re‑engagement. These contributions highlighted the importance of early intervention, clear communication and strong local networks.
DEWR also highlighted the recently published disengagement and re‑engagement resources available on the PALM scheme website. Stakeholders were encouraged to use and share these tools to support workers and employers:
These resources provide practical guidance to help workers and employers understand available support and navigate disengagement and re‑engagement processes.
Looking ahead, the Australian Government will build on the feedback shared at the Cairns stakeholder briefing to continue strengthening the PALM scheme, including improving communication for workers and supporting local community stakeholders.