The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and the Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme during a significant meeting held this week at NFF House in Canberra. The meeting, which welcomed the Solomon Islands' High Commissioner, His Excellency Robert Sisilo, highlighted the value of the PALM program to both countries and set the stage for continued collaboration.
The PALM scheme is a vital labour pathway for Australia's agriculture sector and a major source of income for the Solomon Islands. As of March 2025, nearly 5,000 Solomon Islander workers were participating in the program across Australia. The scheme supports short- and long-term employment opportunities for Pacific workers while helping Australian employers address seasonal labour shortages.
Discussions between the NFF and the High Commissioner focused on how to enhance the program's impact and ensure its long-term sustainability. Both parties acknowledged the high levels of satisfaction reported by Solomon Islands participants and the value the scheme delivers to rural communities in both countries. However, they also recognised the need for improvements to better align the program with the evolving needs of both Pacific workers and Australian employers.
There was a shared interest in increasing the number of Solomon Islander workers participating in both streams of the scheme. Enhancing the design of the PALM program to support workforce stability, protect worker welfare, and strengthen outcomes for employers was a key theme throughout the meeting.
The visit reflected the strong relationship between the NFF and the Solomon Islands, underpinned by shared values and a mutual interest in supporting agricultural growth and regional development. As the PALM scheme continues to grow, both parties expressed optimism about its future and committed to working together to refine and expand the program for long-term benefit.
For more information:
National Farmers' Federation
Tel: +61 (0) 2 6269 5666
Email: [email protected]
www.nff.org.au
