Meryl Swanson (Paterson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Tonight I rise to speak about one of the great success stories—the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme or PALM. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible contribution of Pacific Islander people to our nation. They are amongst the friendliest and most resilient individuals I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Many leave their families behind for extended periods, making significant personal sacrifice in the hope of creating better opportunities for their children and loved ones back at home. These workers come to Australia, the best country in the world, not just to seek opportunity but to contribute meaningfully to our agricultural sector and other sectors like the care economy through seasonal work. They take on physically demanding jobs that are critical to our supply chains. They pay taxes and help strengthen Australia's revenue base, yet they often do this without the same entitlements and benefits many Australians take for granted. If it rains and there is no work, they don't get paid. There is no guaranteed income or safety net. Despite this uncertainty, they continue to show up with determination and good spirits. Their contribution deserves recognition and respect. This scheme is delivering for regional Australia, for our Pacific neighbours and for the communities I'm proud to represent in the Hunter region.

When we came into government we inherited a system that was under strain. Critical labour shortages were holding back our productivity in agriculture, meat processing and other essential services. Businesses in the Hunter were crying out for workers, and they were being let down. But under Labor we've acted. We've expanded the PALM scheme from around 8,000 workers in March 2020 to over 31,000 as of June this year, 2025. Of those, more than 28,000 are working in agriculture and meat processing, industries that are the lifeblood of our region. It's great to have the member for Hunter here tonight with us in the Federation Chamber, because just across our electoral boundaries he's got the terrific Kurri Kurri abattoir and I know that there are PALM workers in that abattoir—and let me tell you it has some of the best meat you will ever eat; I recommend it. This is no accident. It is the result of having a coordinated policy, listening to our communities and backing it up with $440 million in investment to grow and improve the scheme. This is the reason we've seen that big uptick from 8,000 workers in 2020 to 31,000 just five years later. Since July last year, more than 130 new employers have come on board as well, bringing the total to around 514 employers involved in the scheme. That means more local businesses can stay open, they can meet food supply demand and they can keep local Australians in jobs, because they've got the support that they need.

This scheme does more than just fill jobs. It builds communities. PALM workers are becoming part of the social fabric of our towns, particularly in regional and rural areas. They're scoring tries on the footy field, they're joining our churches, they're volunteering with the firies and, in the process, they're becoming our friends and our neighbours. We're creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Right across the Hunter I see the contribution of these workers not just in economic terms but in heart and spirit. Let's be clear. When PALM workers are safe, supported and valued, we all benefit. That's why we've brought the scheme's delivery into the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, to ensure there are proper safeguards and protections in place and to prevent exploitation. This government doesn't just talk about fairness; we deliver it.

The benefits of this scheme extend well beyond our borders. On average, PALM workers send home $1,500 a month. That money helps pay for food, education and medicine and often helps start small businesses back in workers' home countries. It's not aid; it's development that works. We're extending skills development in the scheme so that workers return home with not just income but new capability and new absolute determination. It's soft diplomacy in action, and it's making our world a better place.

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