Welcome to the Welfare and Wellbeing Support Person hub
Worker Welfare and Wellbeing Support Persons (WWSP) support Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers while they are in Australia.
This hub provides practical tools, resources and guidance to support WWSPs in their role.
About the role
The WWSP is a designated role providing consistent, culturally responsive support to PALM scheme workers throughout their placement in Australia. The PALM scheme Approved Employer Deed of Agreement and PALM scheme Approved Employer Guidelines require PALM scheme employers to provide workers with WWSPs.
WWSPs support PALM scheme workers by:
- promoting health, safety and wellbeing
- identifying and respond to welfare concerns
- connecting workers with services
- supporting culturally safe living and working in Australia
- regularly meeting with workers.
For more information, see the Worker Welfare and Wellbeing Person toolkit.
Fortnightly meeting requirement
Fortnightly face-to-face meetings are a requirement under the PALM scheme and are central to effective welfare and wellbeing support.
Regular in-person contact helps WWSPs to:
- build trust and rapport
- support meaningful connection
- identify and respond to cultural adjustment, language barriers and separation from family
- better understand worker experiences, including recognising non-verbal cues
- communicate in culturally responsive ways.
These meetings provide regular opportunities for workers to raise concerns and seek support, and for WWSPs to identify and address issues early.
WWSP toolkit
The WWSP toolkit is a practical resource to support required fortnightly face-to-face meetings.
The toolkit includes:
- WWSP roles and responsibilities
- guidance on planning, facilitating and documenting meetings
- templates for planning and record keeping
- suggested discussion topics and conversation starters.
The guide is flexible and can be adapted to different worker cohorts, locations and emerging needs.
Resources
Training resources
PALMLearn is a learning management system for PALM scheme employers and stakeholders. It provides training to support understanding of obligations under the deed and guidelines.
Eligible employers and stakeholders can register at www.palmlearn.gov.au.
More information is available on the PALM scheme website.
Relevant training modules within PALMLearn include:
Information resources
The following resources can support WWSPs to understand their role and responsibilities, and further support discussions with workers:
Have questions or need advice?
For more information or support, please 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 AEST. If there is a serious problem, please call the support service line any time of the day or night.
Follow the PALM scheme on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates.