A CALL has been made for the Australian Government to urgently reform the visa system for seasonal workers amid mounting claims that the current system traps Pacific labourers in exploitative conditions.
Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson president Emelda Davis said there were deep flaws within the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility which left workers vulnerable and voiceless.
“Workers are being brought here under the promise of opportunity, but many find themselves powerless and at risk,” she said.
Ms Davis said the subclass 403 visa tied workers to one employer.
“If they face problems at work, they can’t leave or find another job. There’s no way for them to challenge their conditions.”
In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Ms Davis said the conditions under this visa were a serious problem and a breach of international labour laws
“There was a review in 2023, but the main problem is still there.”
Ms Davis said that during Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent visit to Vanuatu, she had said PALM workers should have the same rights as Australian workers, but this had not been happening.
“The system still favours labour hire companies, not the workers,” Ms Davis said, adding that while the PALM scheme had some positives, basic rights must come first.
“No seasonal or PALM worker in Australia should be treated differently from any other Australian worker.”
In response, the Australia Department of Employment and Workplace Relations spokesperson said their government had taken significant steps to improve conditions under the scheme.
“Since June 2023, the Australian Government has introduced a range of measures to strengthen protections for workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme,” the spokesperson said.
“These include safeguards such as minimum hours of work, a minimum pay safety net, greater transparency around deductions, and improved accommodation standards.”
The spokesperson said these protections were specifically designed to meet the needs of PALM workers and went beyond the general Australian minimum requirements.
“We monitor compliance with these safeguards through robust assurance processes.”
The spokesman said they had also established clear processes to support workers who may be experiencing exploitation
He said these includes the PALM scheme website and a dedicated support line that workers could contact for help.
