Australia: Migrant women on PALM scheme subjected to discrimination, gender-based violence & limited access sexual health services, finds report
In May 2025, a new report published by an Australian National University researcher found migrant women employed in Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme have been subjected to discrimination and gender-based violence at work, and struggle to access sexual health services including contraception, abortion, antenatal care and STI screening.
The study draws on interviews with 20 PALM scheme workers employed in agriculture, meat processing, retail and health care, 10 employer representatives and 24 service providers and other stakeholders.
Women are discriminated against at multiple stages of their PALM participation and can face undue emotional and financial hardship at different points in their reproductive lives, for example when pregnant, if seeking a termination of pregnancy and when parenting. It also found that PALM participants have experienced reproductive coercion and various other forms of sexual and gender based violence.Lindy Kanan, "It's Not Illegal to be Pregnant: Research report on reproductive justice and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme"
The research finds limited access to information for PALM scheme workers regarding their workplace rights in relation to pregnancy. It outlines labour rights violations experienced by these workers, including pregnancy discrimination during recruitment, hardship after giving birth (including due to a lack of access to social security), and dismissal after giving birth by their employers.
The research also outlines experiences of sexual harassment and coercion in PALM accommodation, and a lack of access to gender-based violence services in the country.
The report names PALM scheme health insurance provider NIB. ABC News, in its article on the report's findings, says NIB's website does not specify whether abortions or contraception are covered. NIB responded to the researcher’s questions, saying pregnancy terminations and contraception are covered by its insurance.
The report makes several recommendations, including the provision of culturally and language appropriate information on reproductive rights and sexual health services for PALM scheme workers, and guidance to employers regarding their obligations towards PALM scheme workers and support in addressing gender-base violence. Employers should also ensure they prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment, including at accommodation sites.