The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has addressed public concerns raised on social media, clarifying that the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme is intended to create job opportunities and improve livelihoods — not to break up families.
Responding to claims that the scheme causes family division, Singh says the Ministry has been working with the affected worker, their spouse, and employer since 2022 through its NEC Welfare Unit, providing ongoing support and guidance.
He stressed that while personal family matters fall outside the scope of the PALM Scheme, the programme strongly upholds worker welfare, rights, and workplace protection.
He says family unity remains a priority, and the Ministry promotes strong values through pre-departure briefings, pastoral care, and by appointing Country Liaison Officers to support workers throughout their journey.
Singh also highlighted the progress of the Family Accompaniment pilot programme, which has already enabled 87 families to join their loved ones in Australia.
He adds that since 2021, 9,052 Fijians have joined the PALM Scheme, with only 1.4 percent reporting welfare-related issues.
The Minister says as part of its monitoring and support efforts, the Ministry conducts annual visits to Australia and New Zealand to engage with workers, employers, and families.
Singh says in October this year, four Ministry teams will travel across Australia to meet workers under the PALM Scheme, including those in the Family Accompaniment pilot.
He explained these visits help respond to local welfare issues, listen to employer feedback, and meet with workers who may not be fulfilling their responsibilities.
The Minister reminded all PALM workers to honour their commitments, emphasising that their discipline and integrity open doors for others, and that the success of the scheme depends on each worker’s conduct, which can either create or restrict future opportunities for fellow Fijians.
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