PALM Scheme Community Network

05/10/2026

Pasifika Cultural Night, Grafton, NSW

30/09/2026

📢 ATTENTION PALM SCHEME WORKERS – CENSUS DEADLINE, Tomorrow !!!

The 2026 Census program is coming to an end.

If you are a PALM Scheme worker and have not yet completed your Census form, please complete it by the end of Thursday, 1 October 2026.

⚠️ Do not leave it until it is too late. If you are required to complete the Census and do not complete your form, you may face a fine of up to $364.

💻 Complete your Census online here:
https://start.census.abs.gov.au/

Please SHARE this post with PALM Scheme workers, friends, workmates and community groups so that everyone who still needs to complete their Census form has the opportunity to do so before the deadline.





Labour & Employment Export Program Samoa Labour Mobility Unit- Solomon Islands Nauru Labour Mobility Unit PNG Labour Mobility Unit Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme Department of Labour, Vanuatu - Circular Labour MobilitySEFOPE-Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment Overseas Employment Division - Vaá Maú Ngaue ki Tuápuleánga Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations

29/09/2026

🌏 IS THE PALM SCHEME THE ANSWER TO AUSTRALIA’S BACKPACKER VISA DILEMMA?

An important development is emerging in Australia’s regional workforce debate.

As the Australian Government proposes reducing second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker visa places, it is encouraging regional businesses facing labour shortages to make greater use of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said there is “more potential” in the PALM Scheme, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has pointed to Pacific workers as an option for farmers and regional employers facing workforce shortages.

The PALM Scheme already provides around 30,000 workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to Australian employers, particularly in regional and rural communities.

The debate raises an important question:

Could PALM workers increasingly fill workforce gaps traditionally filled by backpackers?

Any expansion of PALM would also bring greater responsibility — ensuring workers have proper protections, fair employment conditions, suitable accommodation and strong pastoral support.

The PALM Scheme is ultimately intended to deliver benefits both ways: helping Australian businesses address genuine labour shortages while creating employment, income and skills-development opportunities for workers, their families and communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

This could become an important discussion about the future direction — and potentially the future scale — of the PALM Scheme.

What are your thoughts?





Labour Mobility Unit- Solomon Islands Labour & Employment Export Program Samoa Nauru Labour Mobility Unit PNG Labour Mobility Unit Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations SEFOPE-Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment Overseas Employment Division - Vaá Maú Ngaue ki Tuápuleánga

25/09/2026

🇳🇿 **What could New Zealand First’s immigration proposals mean for Pacific families?**

New Zealand First has announced a proposed overhaul of New Zealand’s immigration system. One part deserves particular attention from Pacific communities: the party proposes a **24-month period for Pacific Island visa overstayers to apply for a valid visa and remain in New Zealand**.

That could offer a pathway for some people who have lived and worked in New Zealand while carrying the uncertainty of an expired visa. But the wider proposal is much tougher. After the 24-month period, the party says overstayers found in New Zealand would face deportation and a permanent ban on applying for a future visa.

The party also proposes longer waits for permanent residence and citizenship, alongside other restrictions that could affect Pacific migrants and their families.

These are **election policy proposals, not changes to immigration law**. The questions now are who would qualify for the Pacific pathway, what visa options would actually be available, and whether families could access clear, affordable advice before any deadline.

New Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific is built on people, families and generations of contribution. Pacific communities need to be heard as these proposals are debated.

What are your thoughts?



🔗 RNZ article: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1332164/new-zealand-first-unveils-plans-for-dramatic-overhaul-of-immigration-system

New Zealand First is wanting to make sweeping changes to the country's immigration laws.

20/09/2026

🇫🇯 **NEW WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIJIANS IN ISRAEL** 🇮🇱

Fiji and Israel are finalising an agreement that could see **1,500 Fijian caregivers** employed in Israel over the next 12 months. The first group of 25 is expected to arrive by December 2026.

Another 50 Fijian students are also expected to undertake an 11-month agricultural internship in Israel from November.

These opportunities could provide valuable employment, skills and income for Fijian families. However, given the continuing security risks in the region, strong worker protections, proper preparation and clear safety arrangements must remain central to the agreement.

What are your thoughts on this new labour mobility pathway?

Read more: https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/1500-fijian-caregivers-targeted-for-israel/

The initiative is among several upcoming programmes highlighted by Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel Jesoni Vitusagavulu as the Fiji Embassy in Jerusalem marked its first anniversary.

19/09/2026

🇦🇺🌏 CAN THE PACIFIC FILL THE GAP IN AUSTRALIA ?

With concerns that backpacker numbers could fall significantly, Australian farmers are being encouraged to look increasingly towards the **PALM scheme**.

For countries such as 🇵🇬 PNG, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands and 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste that want to grow their PALM numbers, this could present a major opportunity.

But it also raises an important question:

👉 **Does the Pacific have the population and workforce capacity to meet a dramatically larger Australian demand — and at what cost?**

More workers overseas means more jobs, income and remittances. But if the numbers grow too quickly, could we also see **brain drain, domestic worker shortages, pressure on essential services, family separation and impacts on local communities and economies?**

The opportunity could be enormous.

But perhaps the bigger question is: **what level of labour mobility is sustainable for the Pacific itself?**





Labour Mobility Unit- Solomon Islands Labour & Employment Export Program Samoa Nauru Labour Mobility Unit PNG Labour Mobility Unit PNG Labour Mobility Unit Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme Department of Labour, Vanuatu - Circular Labour Mobility Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations SEFOPE-Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment

A little-known program for guest workers from ten Pacific countries could be used to fill any shortages of backpackers under immigration changes, ministers said.

18/09/2026

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES MAJOR MIGRATION CHANGES

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to temporary migration as it seeks to reduce net overseas migration.

One of the biggest changes will affect international students, who will generally no longer be able to add family members to their student visas.

🌏 IMPORTANT FOR PACIFIC & ASEAN COMMUNITIES

Pacific Island and ASEAN nationals will be exempt from this restriction under special visa conditions, alongside students undertaking certain courses such as PhDs. Families already in Australia will also not be separated by the new arrangements.

This exemption is significant.

For Pacific and ASEAN students, being able to study in Australia while remaining together with their spouse and children can make Australia a much more practical and attractive education destination.

It also recognises a broader reality: migration is not simply about numbers. Migrants, international students and temporary workers contribute to Australian communities, regional economies and the workforce.

The Government itself has highlighted Australia's continuing reliance on migration in areas such as construction, healthcare, aged care, agriculture, fisheries and teaching. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that around half of migrant doctors and construction workers, and around two-thirds of nurses, come to Australia with family members.

For the Pacific in particular, maintaining pathways that allow people to bring their families can also support the broader people-to-people relationships between Australia and our region.

Other announced migration changes include:

🔹 New limits and a ballot for second and third-year Working Holiday visas
🔹 Measures aimed at reducing “visa hopping”
🔹 Increased action against visa overstayers
🔹 Priority skilled visa processing for construction, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries and teaching
🔹 A target to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 next financial year.

As these changes are implemented, we will continue to follow what they mean specifically for Pacific peoples, PALM scheme workers and their families living in Australia.

📰 Read the ABC News article below.

13/09/2026

🇫🇯 FIJI EMPLOYMENT MINISTER AGNI DEO SINGH DIES IN BRISBANE

Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, has passed away in Brisbane while on an official visit to Australia.

Minister Singh was in Australia engaging with stakeholders and visiting workplaces employing Fijian workers, including those participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

His sudden passing will be felt across Fiji and among the wider Pacific labour mobility community, particularly given his ministerial responsibilities for employment and the welfare of Fijian workers.

Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, the Government and people of Fiji during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace. 🇫🇯🕊️

Read more:
https://www.theaustraliatoday.com.au/fiji-employment-minister-agni-deo-singh-dies-in-brisbane-during-australia-visit/





Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Labour & Employment Export Program Samoa Labour Mobility Unit- Solomon Islands Nauru Labour Mobility Unit PNG Labour Mobility Unit Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme Department of Labour, Vanuatu - Circular Labour Mobility Overseas Employment Division - Vaá Maú Ngaue ki TuápuleángaSEFOPE-Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment The Fiji Times

Shymal Kumar Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, passed away in Brisbane yesterday (12 September 2026). Prime Minister and Chair of the Coalition Cabinet Sitiveni Rabuka announced the death on the official page of the Fiji Government. Prim...

10/09/2026

🇻🇺 JOB OPPORTUNITY – COUNTRY LIAISON OFFICER (VANUATU) 🇦🇺

A new employment opportunity has been advertised by Palladium for a Country Liaison Officer – Vanuatu. The position is listed as Australia-based and was advertised on 8 September 2026.

This could be a great opportunity for someone with strong connections to the Vanuatu community, good communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and an interest in supporting Pacific labour mobility and workers in Australia.

If you know someone who may be suitable, please share this post or tag them below. 🇻🇺🤝🇦🇺

👉 View the position details and apply via this link
https://palladium.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/25530?c=palladium&referralToken=YDOqhqEJfk-5ub73KvOhOw&fbclid=IwY2xjawUQFatwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4lHMTjp_glNJz8qhxxAnELGeXNFEA_79MkKfy3iX7BzBaD9vGhYHVu7Qdrog_aem_be0HvCEhzK0oYo_jMsEljw



Department of Labour, Vanuatu - Circular Labour Mobility Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vanuatu National Youth Council Vanuatu News TODAY VANUATU NEWS TODAY Vanuatu news update Vanuatu news hunter New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu

07/09/2026

📢 PALM Scheme Workers – Have you completed your 2026 Census form?

If you haven’t completed your Census form yet, please complete it as soon as possible.

💻 Complete your Census online here:
start.census.abs.gov.au

Simply open the link on your phone, tablet or computer and follow the instructions on the screen.

Need help completing your form?
Please let your Relationship Manager, Wellbeing Officer or PALM Scheme employer representative know. They can connect you with ABS Census support, including assistance to complete your form online.

⚠️ Completing the Census is a legal requirement. Failure to complete your Census form may result in a fine of $364 per day.

🔒 Your Census information is safe and confidential. The ABS is required by law to protect your information.

Please share this message with other PALM Scheme workers who may not have completed their Census.

Your count matters.





Labour & Employment Export Program Samoa Overseas Employment Division - Vaá Maú Ngaue ki Tuápuleánga Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Labour Mobility Unit- Solomon Islands Nauru Labour Mobility Unit PNG Labour Mobility Unit Department of Labour, Vanuatu - Circular Labour Mobility Labour Mobility Unit- Solomon Islands SEFOPE-Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme