PALM scheme changes to give growers more flexibility
The federal government has backtracked on proposed changes to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, with new requirements to be met for employers from July 1.
Horticulture growers employing workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme will no longer have to offer a minimum of 30 hours each week to their employees.
The federal government has backtracked on changes that were to come in on July 1, amid farmer concerns’ of further labour shortages.
From July 1, employers of short-term workers under the PALM scheme will now be required to offer 120 hours of work averaged over four weeks, as opposed to 30 hours every week.
Farmers had been calling for the hours to be averaged over four weeks to allow more flexibility for producers navigating seasonal fluctuations, warning the system was becoming too onerous for many farm businesses.
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations data showed there was an 11 per cent drop in the number of PALM workers employed in agriculture between June last year and January 2024, following the initial announcement of the changes.
Fruit Growers Victoria’s Michael Crisera said if the government had stuck to the original requirement, it would have deterred a lot of people from being involved in the program.
“It’s a good move to have some flexibility in there, the industry was definitely concerned about the 30-hour minimum,” he said.
“Our biggest issue is when we do have weather events that impact our working week, and you have two or three days of rain and you’re paying for someone to be sitting at home pretty much.
“I think it’s a compromise. I still think it may not fit some in our industry, but I think it makes it more likely that horticulture growers won’t pull out of the program.”
Australian Workers Union National Secretary Paul Farrow said there are some concerns with the changes.
“The principle of guaranteed work for PALM workers is the core principle the AWU fought for and we are happy to see that retained,” he said.
“We do have some concerns that the 120 hours per month will make it harder for workers, especially without English skills, to know if they’re being paid fairly or not.
“Keeping track of 30 hours per week is obviously easier for workers than keeping track of 120 hours per month.”
National Farmers’ Federation horticulture council chair Jolyon Burnett said while it welcomed the improvements made, it was still working with the government on getting the mix right.
“The announced improvements will be a real shot in the arm for employers in the sector, and especially for those who have made significant accommodation and other capital investments to meet scheme requirements,” he said.
A spokesperson from DEWR said if employers could not meet the 120-hour requirement, they still must pay worker’s wages equivalent to 120 hours over four weeks; if they did not comply, they may be directed to provide 30 hours every week.
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