Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, 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. This announcement was made during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
Mr. Conroy indicated that the funding will assist three yet-to-be-identified countries, providing pre-departure training for families and courses designed for workers upon their return to aid reintegration into their communities. He emphasized that the initiative is focused on empowering families and individuals to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the scheme.
The Minister reaffirmed the Australian government’s commitment to ensuring that the PALM Scheme remains fair and equitable, with sufficient protective measures for workers and meaningful consultation with Pacific governments. He underscored the necessity of engaging directly with these governments to ensure that the scheme aligns with their national priorities.
IOM Director-General Amy Pope stated that the organization is collaborating with the Australian government to enhance regular and effectively managed migration through the PALM scheme.
During the dialogue involving leaders and representatives from civil society and the private sector, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that Fiji has over 10,000 seasonal workers benefiting from the scheme, which contributes more than a billion dollars annually in remittances. He noted that this influx has led to a shortage of skilled workers in Fiji and advocated for international projects to prioritize local recruitment, thereby promoting workforce development within the region.
The funding will enhance educational resources including training and learning materials, while also expanding the capabilities of partner governments to support PALM workers and their families. This pilot initiative is set to run until the end of 2026.