What are the accommodation requirements for the PALM scheme?
- Worker accommodation is provided by PALM scheme employers in accordance with the deed and guidelines.
- Accommodation must:
- be of fair and good value
- have transparent costs
- be fit for purpose and in good condition
- be accessible, safe and secure
- have an adequate number of beds of appropriate size and level of comfort <
How does mutual recognition of approved accommodation plans work under the PALM scheme?
- Accommodation is a challenging aspect of supporting workers while they are in Australia.
- If a PALM scheme employer has had an accommodation site previously approved for the Seasonal Worker Programme or Pacific Labour Scheme, they will not need to complete the standard accommodation plan process.
What is labour market testing?
- Labour market testing is an important part of the recruitment process. It ensures Australian jobseekers are given the opportunity to take up jobs before they are offered to workers under the PALM scheme.
- Under the PALM scheme, employers must submit evidence of labour market testing for each recruitment application.
What is a welfare and wellbeing plan?
- The welfare and wellbeing plan outlines arrangements PALM scheme employers will put in place to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of workers they employ.
- The welfare and wellbeing plan template is provided to approved employers and sets out criteria contained in the employer guidelines.
- This includes the steps that will be taken to ensure workers:
- feel comfortable raising concerns or complaints
- know where and how to access emergency and non-emergenc
What is the timeline from submitting a recruitment application to mobilisation?
- It takes a minimum of 8 weeks to mobilise workers from when a recruitment application is submitted and approved (provided all documentation is ‘decision ready’ at the time of submission).
- In the first few weeks after submitting a recruitment application, approved employers discuss their labour needs with relevant Pacific and Timor-Leste government labour sending units (LSUs).
Video - Building a community of care in Smithton, Tasmania
There are more than 60 Pacific Labour Scheme workers in Smithton, Tasmania, from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. They are filling ongoing labour shortages in the area, and are also playing sport, making connections and becoming "like family" to many locals in the community.
Video - Church partnership event in Mildura, Victoria
The Victorian Adventist Wantok Church hosted their first church partnership event in May 2021. The event provided the opportunity for Pacific island workers from Robinvale, Mildura and Stawell to connect through prayer, song and stories, as well as sharing a delicious meal.
Why is there a cap on the number of workers that a PALM scheme employer can recruit?
- New PALM scheme employers receive a cap on the number of workers they can hire when entering the scheme.
- Employers can request a review and increase of their recruitment cap when they can demonstrate they have recruited workers for longer than 4 months through the scheme.
How do PALM scheme employers recruit workers?
- Participating country governments may agree to any or all of the following 3 modes of recruitment:
- work-ready pool (government led)
- agents
- direct recruitment.
- The preferred mode of recruitment is the decision of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste.
When can I recruit under the PALM scheme?
- If you are an approved PALM scheme employer, you can submit recruitment applications at any time.