The Australian Government is prioritizing the wellbeing of individuals involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. However, many PALM participants encounter significant obstacles when trying to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and information, which include support for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Drawing from our experiences as researchers, service providers, and educators, this article highlights critical issues concerning the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of PALM participants in Australia, along with five suggested actions for improvement.
Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge that sexual and reproductive health rights are often sensitive topics in many PALM sending countries, influenced by cultural, social, and religious norms that restrict access to SRH care and information. Once in Australia, PALM participants face various SRHR challenges.
Access to SRH services is frequently limited due to inadequate information, stigma, fear of judgment, and hurdles such as technological limitations, costs, language barriers, transportation, and privacy concerns, particularly when using translators. Geographic and social isolation, along with cultural barriers, further exacerbate these issues.
Information on what SRH services are covered by PALM health insurance, and which providers offer free or subsidized services, is often unclear. For example, uncertainties regarding insurance coverage for abortion services lead to varying experiences for PALM participants in terms of costs and care.
Furthermore, inconsistency exists concerning insurance coverage for pregnancy and childbirth, with some participants receiving full insurance coverage for prenatal and childbirth costs, while others are saddled with significant bills. In some instances, participants have been instructed by employers to return home to give birth despite having completed the requisite insurance waiting period.
Power dynamics within the PALM scheme can leave participants vulnerable. The responsibility placed on approved employers to ensure their workers’ welfare can prompt participants to share sensitive information, such as pregnancy status, which they might otherwise prefer to keep private.
Additionally, reporting violence or seeking help can be daunting for participants who have experienced SGBV while in Australia, particularly if they are unsure of their visa rights or fear their confidentiality might be compromised.
Our observations reveal the serious physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of these challenges. Female participants confront difficult decisions regarding unintended pregnancies, even to the point of concealing their situations due to job insecurity. Many women face ostracism from their families and communities back home due to their circumstances and are uncertain where to seek assistance. When they do pursue care related to pregnancy or abortion, they are often met with exorbitant medical fees, thrusting them into financial difficulties.
To address these issues, we propose the following recommendations for the Australian Government:
First, collaborate with Pacific civil society organizations to provide consistent, comprehensive SRHR information to participants before their departure. The International Planned Parenthood Federation has member associations across PALM sending Pacific nations, many of which can facilitate pre-departure briefings and health screenings.
Second, enhance programming provided by Australian health providers and organizations to offer culturally relevant SRHR education to PALM participants during their stay. Initiatives like those from True Relationships and Reproductive Health, which currently runs onsite education for PALM participants in various states, should be expanded to reach more participants.
Third, strengthen the support provided by PALM-approved employers concerning SRHR. Employers should be better equipped with training and resources to guide participants in accessing the necessary services and information regarding reproductive wellness and SGBV.
Fourth, ensure that PALM participants are provided with clear and current information on available SRH services and insurance coverage while in Australia. Resources should clearly outline what services are included under their insurance plans, especially concerning sexual health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Lastly, implement stronger protection mechanisms, confidential support channels, and enhance the capacity of PALM stakeholders to address safeguarding violations. Establishing an independent reporting system is crucial for enabling participants to seek help for issues related to SGBV, sexual harassment, exploitation, or bullying.
Australia’s Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke, emphasizes the importance of the wellbeing of Pacific and Timorese individuals in the PALM scheme. Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health rights is central to this goal, and there are actionable solutions available for the Australian Government to pursue.
This discussion will continue at the Pacific Migration Workshop hosted by the Development Policy Centre on September 3.