The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme aims to enhance job opportunities and improve living standards without causing family separations, according to Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh. Addressing social media concerns, Singh emphasized that the scheme prioritizes family unity and worker welfare and has been pivotal in supporting workers, their families, and employers since 2022 through the NEC Welfare Unit.
Singh highlighted the PALM initiative’s commitment to worker rights, welfare, and workplace protection, with strong support measures including pre-departure briefings, pastoral care, and dedicated Country Liaison Officers. The scheme has facilitated the Family Accompaniment pilot, allowing 87 families to join workers in Australia, thereby minimizing separation. Since its inception in 2021, 9,052 Fijians have joined the PALM scheme, with a small percentage reporting welfare issues.
The minister underscores the importance of annual visits to consult with workers, employers, and families in Australia and New Zealand. In October, four ministry teams will engage with workers under the Family Accompaniment pilot to address welfare concerns and ensure contractual commitments are honored. Singh stresses that the success of the PALM scheme relies on the discipline and integrity of its workers, which in turn can unlock future opportunities for other Fijians.
Overall, the PALM scheme underscores the dedication to maintaining family unity while fostering economic advancement. By providing opportunities for families to accompany workers, the initiative showcases a holistic approach to labor mobility that can strengthen community ties between Fiji and Australia while ensuring a stable and supportive experience for Fijian workers abroad.
Leave a comment