Concerns have arisen regarding social issues linked to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, particularly after reports surfaced about 129 Fijian workers who are reportedly failing to support their families at home. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has identified this issue as a key focus area for officials moving forward.
The PALM scheme has seen many Fijians engaged in various sectors, including agriculture, aged care, and meat processing. In response to these concerns, Minister Singh announced that discussions are taking place with Australian authorities to implement direct salary deductions and remittances. This initiative aims to ensure that families in Fiji receive the financial support they require from their family members working abroad. Singh remarked, “Once that is approved and put into practice, all employees that we dispatch to work in Australia and New Zealand are going to be required to sign up those consent forms before they depart.”
To further enhance the welfare of workers, country liaison officers have been tasked with monitoring compliance and ensuring the well-being of those involved in the scheme. The introduction of a direct remittance system alongside improved oversight measures reflects a commitment to alleviate social strain and secure the support needed by families. These efforts are expected to not only strengthen the PALM scheme itself but also promote overall family unity.
Previously, Minister Singh emphasized the proactive measures being taken by the Fijian government, which include pre-departure briefings to prepare workers before they embark on their overseas employment journey. The PALM scheme aims to bolster worker rights and welfare, fostering economic opportunities while also ensuring that families are not left behind.
There have also been successful initiatives, such as the Family Accompaniment pilot, which allows a portion of families to join their workers in Australia, thus minimizing the negative impacts of separation. Since 2021, the scheme has successfully facilitated the migration of over 9,000 Fijians to Australia and New Zealand, with minimal welfare issues reported.
As the Fijian government continues to address and refine this program, it remains committed to ensuring that workers are not only economically empowered but that they also maintain strong ties with their families back home. The focus on financial management, adherence to contracts, and the provision of support services for workers underscores a hopeful outlook for many Fijian families as they navigate international labor opportunities.