Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner urges stronger action to support disengaged PALM workers
A report released last week by Griffith University, UNSW and ANU highlights a serious and often overlooked issue associated with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme: the vulnerability of disengaged workers living in Australia without valid visas or work rights.
“The PALM scheme has delivered real benefits for Australia and our Pacific neighbours,” said Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans. “However, we cannot ignore the plight of long-term disengaged workers who have lost their lawful status and become highly vulnerable to exploitation.”
An estimated 7,000 workers have disengaged from the PALM scheme. Those who have lost their legal status and access to essential services are left vulnerable to further exploitation by unscrupulous employers and labour hire operators. Recent reports from the ABC and SBS highlight the extent of the problem in key growing regions.
“Ignoring the vulnerability of long-term disengaged people in our communities creates risks for both workers and employers, and undermines the integrity and social licence of the program,” said Commissioner Evans. “The Government must urgently strengthen its re-engagement strategy to include this cohort and provide greater industrial and legal support to all disengaged workers.”
Last month, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) issued guidance to employers to support its worker re-engagement strategy. However, two urgent measures are required to strengthen the integrity of the PALM scheme and protect those most at risk:
- A robust re-engagement strategy to help long-term disengaged workers regularise their visa status and reconnect with the PALM scheme or alternative lawful pathways, including returning home without penalty.
- Enhanced industrial and legal support for workers with legitimate grievances about their treatment under the scheme.