Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, has announced an $8 million partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aimed at supporting families and individuals involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. The announcement was made during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
Conroy stated that the funding will be allocated to three yet-to-be-determined countries and will facilitate pre-departure training and courses for families, as well as reintegration courses for workers upon their return. “This is all about supporting the families and individuals to make the most of the opportunity to deal with the challenges involved with it,” he noted.
He reiterated the Australian government’s commitment to ensuring the scheme is fair and equitable, emphasizing the need for adequate worker protections and consultations with Pacific governments. Conroy underscored the importance of direct engagement with governments to ensure that the scheme aligns with their national priorities.
IOM Director General Amy Pope highlighted their ongoing collaboration with the Australian Government to facilitate regular and well-managed migration through the PALM scheme. During discussions with civil society and private sector representatives, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka mentioned that over 10,000 seasonal workers from Fiji benefit from the scheme, contributing more than a billion dollars in remittances annually. However, he also pointed out that this has resulted in a shortage of skilled workers in Fiji and urged international projects to focus on recruiting locally to enhance local workforce development.
The funding will enhance educational resources, including training materials, and will strengthen the capabilities of partner governments to support PALM workers and their families. The pilot program is set to run until the end of 2026.