A social media post by the PALM Scheme Community has highlighted the plight of former Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme worker who is now living under a bridge in metropolitan Sydney after becoming disengaged from his employment.
The story was brought to public attention by Fijian blogger Bula Boys Abroad, who recently met the man and shared details of his circumstances.
One former worker arrived in Australia under the PALM Scheme and was employed at an abattoir in Tamworth, New South Wales.
The post said like many participants in the scheme, he travelled to Australia with hopes of supporting his family and building a better future for his wife and four children in Fiji.
However, following marital difficulties that affected his wellbeing and work performance, he eventually disengaged from his employment and found himself struggling to survive.
Today, he is living in difficult circumstances under a bridge in Sydney.
A qualified welder by trade, the man told Bula Boys Abroad he has managed to secure occasional work, but not enough to obtain stable accommodation or rebuild the life he had envisioned when he first arrived in Australia.
He also revealed that he had lost his passport, creating further challenges.
The video highlighted that he is not alone. Other people were also living in and around the same location, including another Fijian man and individuals from Vietnam and Timor-Leste, all facing similar hardships.
Moved by their situation, Bula Boys Abroad purchased groceries and essential supplies for the group.
While focusing on one individual’s experience, the PALM Scheme Community said the case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise when workers disengage from the scheme.
“Many workers leave their families, children, villages and support networks behind to pursue opportunities in Australia,” the post stated.
It noted that workers who disengage often lose access to stable employment, employer-provided accommodation, community support networks, structured welfare and wellbeing support, and the ability to consistently send money home to their families.
“For many, what may begin as a personal or family issue can quickly spiral into unemployment, homelessness, financial hardship, isolation and uncertainty,” the post said.
The PALM Scheme Community urged workers facing difficulties to seek assistance early.
“There are often community leaders, church leaders, fellow workers, employers and support services willing to help before a situation reaches crisis point.”
The group stressed that the overwhelming majority of PALM Scheme workers honour their commitments and achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families, but warned that disengagement can come at a very high personal cost.
Workers requiring assistance can contact the PALM Scheme Support Line on 1800 51 51 31 or email palm@dewr.gov.au.
