Stakeholders from across government, community organisations and partner countries came together in Sydney for the third Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme disengagement stakeholder briefing.

Held on Friday 26 June 2026, the briefing provided an opportunity to strengthen connections and share insights on how to better prevent, detect and respond to PALM scheme worker disengagement.

The first PALM scheme Regional Engagement Forum (PREF) of 2026 landed in Mooroopna, Victoria on 24 and 25 May with a focus on wellbeing. PREFs take support on the road, connecting workers with local services and federal government departments to help them get the most out of their time in Australia.

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.

By now, you might have seen some stories on Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme safe driving events. These events bring PALM scheme workers face-to-face with emergency services to learn practical ways to stay safe on our roads. Held in regional towns across Australia, road safety events are designed to meet workers in their communities, delivering support where it's needed most.

Road safety saves lives, and when communities, government agencies and industry partners work together, the impact is powerful. On Saturday 15 November, more than 200 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers gathered at City Hope Church in Ripley for an interactive driver safety event designed to build knowledge and confidence on Australian roads.

Melita’s journey began in Fiji, where she lovingly cared for her grandmother from a young age. Even while still at school, she dreamt of becoming a caregiver, a dream that would eventually take her across the ocean. 

When offered a role in Australia’s aged care sector through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Melita saw more than a job. It was a chance to pursue her passion and uplift her family. 
 

Laurel’s journey through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme transformed her life professionally and personally. From leading quality assurance on a citrus farm in Australia to coordinating sales at a major resort in Vanuatu, Laurel’s story is a powerful example of how working under the PALM scheme builds lasting skills and confidence.  

When Taueva left Samoa in 2021 to work in Australia on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, he carried the hopes of his family and a plan for a better future. 

Three years later, his journey stands as a testament to the rewards of hard work, resilience, and the life-changing potential of the PALM scheme.

Alphonse, a skilled carpenter, is supervising a team of workers in the construction of a house situated on a ridge with expansive views of Honiara and the Iron Bottom Sound. 

This property is being built for his brother, Philip, who is currently working in Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. 

“Theres so much I’m learning, when I come back to Samoa, I use it. Because I have new experiences in Australia and I can bring it back to help my Banana farm here in Samoa.” 

Karene is preparing for his fourth season at an Australia banana farm from through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.