Opposition and industry slam PALM changes

SIGNIFICANT changes are being made to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme that affects migrant workers from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Nationals and some farming industry groups claim some of the changes do not account for seasonal variables and will lead to produce shortages and higher prices. Pictured are The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, Smart Berries farm manager, Sally Jolly and Flynn MP, Colin Boyce. Photo: SUPPLIED.

By Admin

January 08, 2024 | 4:00 PM

RECENT changes to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme have been criticised by The Nationals with leader, David Littleproud claiming they were “anti-farming” and would lead to increased food prices.

Under the new rules from this month, farmers will be forced to offer a minimum of 30 hours per week, over four weeks, to workers from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.