The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed the review of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Deed and Guidelines as a chance to reduce red tape and make the scheme work better for farmers and workers alike.
NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey said the PALM scheme was now an essential part of Australia's seasonal workforce mix, but its current design created unnecessary costs and compliance hurdles for employers.
"Farmers value the PALM scheme and the contribution of Pacific and Timor-Leste workers. But the scheme has been saddled with layers of complex obligations that make it harder than it needs to be," Ms McCluskey said.
"The review is a prime opportunity to align PALM with the Treasurer's agenda of lifting productivity by cutting duplicative or ineffective regulation.
"Simplifying PALM settings will not only help employers, it will also free up government agencies bogged down in unnecessary administration."
The NFF's submission to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations highlights several priority areas for reform:
- Accommodation: Streamline planning rules and remove barriers such as fringe benefits tax to unlock more on-farm housing solutions.
- Pay and conditions: Provide clearer guidance and harmonisation with the Fair Work Act to reduce legal complexity and avoid anomalies between PALM and other visa programs.
- Welfare and wellbeing: Allow more flexible and modern approaches, including digital platforms and tailored support.
- Transport and deductions: Remove disincentives for employers to provide safe transport options and address conflicting rules.
The NFF has also recently met with representatives from Solomon Islands and Tonga about the PALM scheme, and will continue engaging with other Pacific nations, to build a shared understanding of how the scheme can serve the interests of workers, sending countries and Australian employers alike.
"Short-term PALM numbers in agriculture have fallen well below their peak, which tells us the scheme in its current form is too hard for many employers to use," Ms McCluskey said.
"We need a system that makes it easier for farmers to mobilise their workforce while still ensuring workers are well treated. That balance is absolutely possible, but PALM as it stands doesn't deliver it."
The NFF said a streamlined PALM scheme would boost productivity across regional Australia and ensure the program remains a reliable and sustainable labour solution into the future.
To read the NFF's submission click here.
