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Australia: Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme needs to tackle issues of labour exploitation and adequate basic rights of workers, report reveals
"New report finds PALM scheme must address persistent issues of exploitation and policy gaps", 3 February 2026
The Australian government says its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme is a "win-win", but a new report has found it must address persistent issues of exploitation, lack of basic rights, and policy shortfalls.
Employing more than 30,000 workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste, the scheme helps fill jobs in industries such as agriculture, meat processing and aged care in regional Australia.
Supporters of the scheme are calling for urgent reforms.