Re-imagining the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM)
摘要
There are longstanding deep connections between Australia and the Pacific region, with shared history, common values, a culture of travel and movement across the ocean, strong security connections, and a large Pasifika diaspora living in Australia. In 2021, the Australian government introduced the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This highly innovative initiative benefits all countries, and it provides Pasifika workers with international work opportunities, experience, and much-needed income for their families and communities. From Australia’s point of view, this scheme also provides a desperately needed workforce for Australian regional and rural industries. This chapter focuses on the PALM Scheme, first outlining its history, intentions, and current performance. It then explores how this initiative is falling short of its potential and proposes new approaches for making the scheme sustainable and successful in achieving its purpose.