The Albanese Government is helping more than 31,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers receive extra training to build skills and support long‑term employability.
Our Government is lifting its contribution for job-specific training under the PALM Skills Development Program from 40% to 60%, doubling the annual funding cap from $300 to $600 per worker.
From today, PALM scheme employers can access this increased support for tier 3 training, which focuses on short, job‑relevant courses.
The training includes nationally recognised courses in:
- forklift operation
- safe food handling
- working safely at heights
- chemical safety
- other training aligned to their work.
The additional training will help PALM workers get recognised Australian skills and credentials that strengthen job performance in Australia and deliver benefits when they return home to their communities across the Pacific and in Timor-Leste.
Employers will benefit from a better trained and more productive workforce in industries including horticulture, meat processing and care.
Since late 2023, the Australian Government has approved more than $500,000 in funding through the program. Further consultation is being held this year to continue to refine the program.
