Have Your Say

LABOR GOVERNMENT PUT ON NOTICE OVER PALM SCHEME

8 August 2023

Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific Michael McCormack has put the Federal Government on notice over its mishandling of the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.

Mr McCormack has submitted a Question on Notice to the Federal Government to respond to industry concerns PALM scheme participants will be significantly reduced due to Labor’s reforms, including forcing those from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to be paid a minimum of 30 hours a week, every week.

“These changes were made without adequate consultation with stakeholders and now those stakeholders are considering walking away from the scheme, which would be detrimental, particularly to the agriculture and horticulture industries,” Mr McCormack said.

“Recent figures show there are almost 40,000 PALM scheme workers in Australia, many of whom are supporting regional businesses.

“Those in the know, including our farmers who produce our fresh food and fibre, know that work availability can vary significantly due to uncontrollable factors such as adverse weather or natural disasters, but their voices are being ignored as the union-backed decision makers forge ahead with this flawed policy.

“The Government seems perfectly comfortable with breaking a long and fruitful relationship for the sake of placating a political donor.

“This is not a program that can be thought of in isolation. If growers pull out, the Pacific workers don’t come. If the Pacific workers don’t come to Australia, we weaken our ties in the Pacific.

“With 40,000 jobs on the line and Pacific ties more important than ever, the ripple effect and ramifications must not be underestimated.”

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