THE Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations says it is aware of reports involving a disengaged Fijian worker in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
And disengagement has become a priority for the Australian government.
A spokesperson told Islands Business the issue had been the focus of a disengagement taskforce, after the department identified risks for workers who leave the program.
“Disengaged PALM workers no longer have access to the protections of the program, and this can lead to issues around their welfare, wellbeing and safety,” the spokesperson said.
“The number of workers disengaging from the PALM scheme has fallen, from around 10 per cent in 2020-21 to three per cent in 2024-25. Data for 2025-26 to date shows similar levels of disengagement to the previous year.”
The PALM scheme, which allows Pacific workers to take up short-term jobs of up to nine months and long-term jobs of up to four years, has a large Fijian cohort.
Fijians make up about 16 to 20 per cent of the workforce, or roughly 5,300 to 5,500 workers at any given time.
“The Australian Government has introduced measures to strengthen protections for PALM scheme workers. This includes providing them with access to welfare and wellbeing support. A 24/7 support line is also available,” the spokesperson added.
“The department encourages workers or community members who have concerns to contact the PALM scheme support service line on 1800 51 51 31 or via PALM@dewr.gov.au.Country Liaison Officers are also available for guidance.”
The department believes the individual featured in the article is a disengaged PALM scheme worker and that workers who leave the scheme may re-engage, subject to a risk-based assessment. In contrast, those unable to re-engage are encouraged to return to their home country.
Ministry of Employment Fiji
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Jone Maritino Nemani, said workers in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme should stay connected to official support systems if problems arise overseas.
Nemani said the scheme offers opportunity but also carries responsibility. “Participation in the PALM Scheme is both an opportunity and a responsibility,” he said.
“Workers are selected through a competitive process and are expected to maintain satisfactory work performance, comply with workplace requirements, and uphold the values and reputation of Fiji while employed overseas.”
He said personal, family, financial or social pressures could emerge while workers were abroad, but disengaging from approved employment was not the answer.
“We recognise that challenges can arise while workers are overseas. However, disengagement from employment is not the answer,” he said.
The ministry says support includes country liaison officers, employer welfare representatives, counselling services and direct contact with officials.
It also works with Australian authorities, approved employers and community partners, including Empower Pacific and faith-based organisations.
Nemani said welfare interventions, counselling and, where appropriate, redeployment to another approved employer are available for workers facing difficulties.
“Workers are strongly encouraged to engage with these processes rather than disengage from the programme.”
