What is the family accompaniment pilot? 

The family accompaniment pilot is an initiative to allow up to 200 long-term Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers to bring their families to Australia. This pilot aims to reduce the negative social impacts of long periods of family separation and strengthen ties with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Participants 

Five countries are participating in the pilot: Fiji, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu. 

Two selection processes were undertaken in 2024 to identify workers, their families and the employers that would be part of the pilot. 

Support for families 

Prior to travelling to Australia, all families receive a comprehensive pre-departure briefing to prepare them for their time in Australia. On arrival, they are supported by a family liaison officer to help them transition into their new communities, and to access services and supports they may require. 

Partners are able to work or study, and children are able to attend school. Families can apply for Medicare, the Family Tax Benefit and the Child Care Subsidy on arrival in Australia.