There are now more than 35,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility workers in Australia — an increase of 44 per cent in seven months.
At the end of May 2022, there were 24,400 PALM workers in the country and following the Jobs and Skills Summit last year, there was a push from business and industry for the government to increase the threshold of skilled migrant workers.
In the October 2022 budget, the government committed to reaching 35,000 workers by June 2023.
Workers from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste are participating in the scheme. In a region where more than one-third of people live on less than $1,000 per year, long-term PALM workers send home an average of $15,000 each.
The workers are employed across 28 industries and are employed under the same industry awards and legislation as Australian workers. PALM approved employers must meet stringent criteria to participate including compliance with workplace regulations and health and safety laws.
The government said PALM workers are earning incomes, developing skills, and filling workforce shortages in industries including agriculture, food processing, accommodation, and hospitality and aged care.
Through the PALM scheme, eligible businesses can recruit workers for seasonal jobs for up to nine months or for longer-term roles for between one and four years in unskilled, low-skilled, and semi-skilled positions.
“The scheme is vital for filling workplace shortages in regional Australia, ensuring businesses can continue supporting their communities when there are limited local workers available,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“This scheme is a practical measure that shows our respect for the Pacific and will build a stronger Pacific family.”
He said the workers are now providing important skills and labour in agricultural sector, helping Australian farmers and meat processors fill gaps in their workforce.
Australian businesses can access PALM scheme workers by either applying to join the PALM scheme or through a PALM scheme-approved labour-hire company.
