The Australian Government is prioritizing the improvement of wellbeing for individuals involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. However, PALM participants continue to face significant obstacles in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and information, particularly in relation to support for those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Drawing upon their experiences as researchers, service providers, and educators, the authors of a recent blog post highlight core issues concerning the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of PALM participants in Australia and propose five actionable recommendations.
One major issue is that in many of the countries sending workers to the PALM scheme, SRHR remains a sensitive and often taboo topic. Cultural, social, and religious norms significantly affect the ability to access SRH care and information. Once in Australia, PALM participants encounter numerous challenges, including limited information, stigma, fear of judgment, and various logistical obstacles such as costs, language barriers, and issues related to confidentiality when using translators.
Finding clear information on which SRH services are included under PALM health insurance can be particularly challenging. For instance, it is often unclear if pregnancy termination is covered, leading to varying experiences among participants regarding costs and access to abortion care. Furthermore, there are inconsistencies in insurance coverage for pregnancy and childbirth, with some participants facing substantial out-of-pocket expenses despite having health insurance.
Power imbalances within the PALM scheme also contribute to the vulnerability of participants. Approved employers are responsible for ensuring their employees’ welfare, which may pressure participants to disclose personal information, including their pregnancy status. Meanwhile, those who experience SGBV may hesitate to report incidents or seek help due to concerns over their visa status and potential breaches of confidentiality.
The authors note that the repercussions of these challenges are significant, leading to unintended pregnancies and other hardships for female participants. Many women face ostracism from their families and communities in their home countries and struggle to find support or affordable healthcare options.
To address these issues, the authors recommend several actions for the Australian Government:
1. Collaborate with Pacific civil society organizations to provide standardized, comprehensive SRHR information to participants before they leave for Australia.
2. Expand programming by Australian health providers to offer culturally relevant SRHR education for PALM participants while they are in Australia.
3. Equip PALM-approved employers with the necessary tools to better support their employees’ SRHR needs and information access.
4. Ensure PALM participants have access to current, clear information about available SRH services and what is covered by insurance.
5. Establish protective mechanisms, confidential support channels, and capacity for stakeholders to address safeguarding violations, particularly for SGBV and workplace harassment.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke has stated that the wellbeing of Pacific and Timorese individuals in the PALM scheme is of utmost importance. He emphasized that sexual and reproductive health and rights are crucial to overall wellbeing and that the Australian Government has the means to implement these necessary solutions.
The blog also recognizes contributions from various individuals and mentions ongoing research related to safety and wellbeing within the PALM scheme. This topic will be further discussed at the upcoming Pacific Migration Workshop. The research has received support from the Pacific Research Program, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with the views expressed being those of the authors themselves.