Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, announced an $8 million partnership with the International Organization for Migration to implement programs aimed at supporting families and individuals participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Mr. Conroy made this announcement at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting held in Tonga. He stated that the funding would be allocated to three yet-to-be-determined countries, providing pre-departure training and courses for families, along with reintegration programs for workers upon their return to help them reestablish in their communities.
“This initiative is focused on empowering families and individuals to fully leverage the opportunities and navigate the challenges associated with the scheme,” Mr. Conroy asserted. He emphasized the Australian government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and equity within the scheme, which includes adequate worker protections and consultations with Pacific governments to align with their national priorities.
During the dialogue with civil society and private sector representatives, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that over 10,000 seasonal workers from Fiji benefit from the PALM scheme, contributing more than a billion dollars in annual remittances. He noted that this influx of workers has resulted in a shortage of skilled labor in Fiji and encouraged international projects to prioritize local recruitment to foster workforce development.
This funding will enhance educational resources, including training materials, and will strengthen the capacity of partner governments to support PALM workers and their families. The pilot program is set to run until the end of 2026.