Australia’s Pacific mobility scheme is in its interests, if it can workThe PALM scheme boosts incomes for Pacific nations, fills Australia’s work needs, fosters cultural exchange and improves diplomatic linksThe PALM scheme boosts incomes for Pacific nations, fills Austra / The GuardianThe Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) is a crucial source of workers across regional Australia. PALM workers make a significant contribution to regional businesses that struggle to attract local workers, from farms to abattoirs. The third win is that PALM advances Australia’s strategic interests, not least by providing a counter to China’s wooing of Pacific nations. Yet the wins of the PALM scheme have countervailing costs in the pain of separated families, loneliness and broken marriages. Australia’s interest in fostering Pacific development and rivalry with China are added reasons to limiting working holidays and expanding the PALM scheme instead.

Source: Taipei Times February 04, 2026 16:06 UTC