Any instance of abuse against seasonal workers in Australia is intolerable and will be addressed appropriately. This message was conveyed by Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, during a press conference in Tonga yesterday.
Conroy addressed concerns regarding the mistreatment of workers involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. He acknowledged Australia’s historical relationship with Pacific Island workers and stressed that participation in the scheme is voluntary, with sending countries retaining full control over who they send to Australia.
Mr. Conroy is currently in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting.