Australia is advancing its efforts to ensure that participants in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme receive fair pay, secure working conditions, and essential protections, particularly for those in lower-skilled and seasonal jobs. This initiative is highlighted by Jan Hutton, the First Assistant Secretary for Labour Mobility, Skills, and Education at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), during a recent roundtable discussion held at the Australian High Commission in Suva.
Hutton emphasized that PALM employers must now provide a minimum of 120 paid work hours every four weeks to guarantee financial stability for workers. “Every PALM worker needs to be able to take home $200,” she stated, adding that if a worker receives less than 20 hours of work in a week, the employer is obligated to cover accommodation and transportation costs.
The Australian government aims to safeguard vulnerable workers through a series of mandatory welfare initiatives. Hutton informed attendees about the required cultural competency training for all employers within the scheme, as well as the appointment of worker welfare officers by the workers themselves to ensure support availability. Additionally, there is a 24/7 helpline accessible to all PALM workers.
With an investment of $440 million into the PALM scheme, Australia demonstrates its commitment to grow the program sustainably while ensuring fairness and proper treatment for all participants. This aligns with broader efforts to protect the rights of Pacific workers, reflecting a robust partnership between the Australian and Fijian governments, which have been working closely to address exploitation concerns previously raised within the program.
The collective actions taken are a hopeful indication that improvements in the treatment and welfare of PALM participants will continue, fostering an environment where workers feel safe, valued, and supported in their employment in Australia.
Leave a comment