PALM scheme workers benefiting from skills training while in Australia

Language, literacy, numeracy, and digital training is now being offered to those taking part in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, to help workers settle in and learn new skills whilst in Australia.

The PALM Scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia, while helping workers to develop their skills and send income home. Currently more than 30,000 short-term and long-term workers from 9 Pacific islands and Timor-Leste are employed across sectors including agriculture, meat processing, aged care and other critical industries.

The Scheme is highly valued by Australian employers and industry, as well as participating countries, delivering significant economic and social benefits for all involved.

The Albanese Government has redesigned and invested in the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, to now also include PALM workers.

This allows them to actively participate in the community and the economy, and take new skills home when they finish their employment in Australia.

It complements the PALM scheme Skills Development Program (SDP), which funds PALM scheme employers to upskill PALM workers with technical knowledge and abilities for the workplace. PALM scheme workers can also take part in workplace-based training projects delivered in the classroom, workplace or online.

Under the SDP since November 2023:

• more than 180 PALM scheme workers have completed driving-related courses
• more than 110 workers have undertaken forklift training
• more than 60 PALM scheme employers have accessed SDP funding to upskill workers
• more than 90 workers have trained in first aid.

Among those benefiting is Carlos from Papua New Guinea (PNG), who works in Smithton, Tasmania. He has been able to get his forklift licence, allowing him to upskill while supporting his mother, wife and young son back home.
 
“Getting the forklift licence has been a privilege. The PALM scheme has helped me a lot, not just in supporting my family, but in building me and shaping me to become a better version of myself,” Carlos said.
 
Meanwhile representatives from the PNG and Kiribati Governments have recently visited Australia to engage with PALM workers.

In December, there were 1,600 PALM scheme workers from PNG and 1,365 from Kiribati in Australia.

The Government recently hosted representatives from PNG’s Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) in the Northern Territory, with the visit aiming to strengthen relationships and increase demand for PALM scheme workers in the Territory.

Whilst there, government delegates from PNG and His Excellency Mr John Kali, Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to Australia, attended a welcome event for participants in the early childhood education and care pilot at Charles Darwin University. The delegation also met with representatives from employers and local industry groups.

Kiribati’s Minister for Employment and Human Resources, the Hon. Mr Auria Kitina has also recently lead a delegation to meet with government officials and visit worksites of Approved Employers across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.

Since being elected, the Albanese Government has invested $440 million to expand and improve PALM, in order to better protect and support workers across Australia. This includes strengthening Scheme settings including minimum pay, accommodation and worker welfare and wellbeing.

Attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt:
“The recent visits by the Papua New Guinea and Kiribati Government delegations recognise the value of the scheme to all countries involved, and the partnerships we have developed with our neighbours."

“We continue to work collaboratively to ensure the scheme works for Australian employers, and keeps participants from our partner countries satisfied, engaged, well-paid and safe at work.

“Being able to send money home for family, whilst upskilling through the SEE and SDP programs is a major drawcard of the PALM Scheme – it helps to attract future workers to fill jobs gaps.”

Attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“The SEE program allows PALM scheme workers to improve their personal and professional skills, free of cost, enabling them to succeed in their field of work."

“Improving PALM scheme workers’ English language, reading, writing, mathematics and digital skills will also help them overcome obstacles at work and develop their confidence.”

“These valuable skills will take program participants forward and benefit every aspect of their lives.”

Attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy:
“The PALM scheme is an important investment in regional prosperity and resilience.”

“It helps to address Australia’s workforce shortages, while developing long-term skills and expertise that will strengthen domestic labour markets in the Pacific.

“The Albanese Government has listened and is responding to the priorities of the Pacific and Timor-Leste by expanding training opportunities for participants.”