Any instances of abuse against seasonal workers in Australia are completely unacceptable and will be addressed. This message was conveyed by Pat Conroy, the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, during a press conference in Tonga. His remarks came in response to concerns regarding the mistreatment of workers involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Conroy acknowledged Australia’s longstanding relationship with Pacific workers and stressed that participation in this scheme is voluntary. He also noted that the countries involved have the autonomy to choose the workers they send to Australia. Currently, Mr. Conroy is in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting.