Tonga is committed to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and to the wellbeing of its citizens working in Australia, HE Curtis Tu‘ihalangingie, the Acting Tonga High Commissioner, told a workshop and exhibition day held in Canberra recently.

The event showcased the positive impacts of the PALM scheme from a Tongan perspective and addressed the challenges.

“We are dedicated to working with our Australian partners to address challenges and ensure a positive experience for all Tongan workers, ensuring they have access to the support and resources they need to thrive, including comprehensive health insurance," said HE Tu‘ihalangingie.

The Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) reported that as of March 2025, 3,480 Tongan workers were employed in Australia through the PALM scheme, primarily in agriculture (2,630) and meat processing (770). 

Jason Stott, First Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Labour Operations Division, said the Australian Government was committed to the PALM scheme and to safeguarding worker welfare and eliminating exploitation. He said key priorities for DEWR include deed and guidelines settings review, improvements to PALMIS (the scheme's IT system), building stronger relationships with stakeholders, strengthening worker protections and reducing worker disengagement.

Rachel Jolly PSM, of the Pacific Labour Mobility and Engagement Branch, (DFAT) said that the PALM scheme provides opportunities to support Pacific and Timor-Leste priorities for labour mobility. Participating countries make a sovereign decision how to participate. She said that, according to an ANU/World Bank survey, on average, nearly 60 per cent of PALM scheme worker earnings are saved or remitted and workers remit an estimated $1,500 each per month during their deployment.

The Tonga High Commission hosted the event at the Australian National University on 22 May, with HRH Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho as the guest of honour. It was attended by representatives from the Tongan and Australian governments, Approved Employers (AEs), students, key stakeholders including former and current Tongan PALM workers.

In 2008, Tonga was the first country in the Pacific to pilot the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) before the SWP was officially launched in 2012.

Success stories from Tongan workers and AEs and highlighted the economic gains from the PALM scheme.

“It was evident that the program offers great financial and training opportunities for our workers while providing essential support to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia. The PALM scheme allows families to pay for school fees, loans and builds small businesses. It provides job opportunities for the unemployed who cannot find permanent jobs in Tonga,” stated the Tonga High Commission, today.

A key focus of the presentations was on workers’ health and wellbeing. A representative from the NIB presented on the comprehensive health insurance coverage, including access to medical treatment, hospital care, and preventative health services. The welfare and wellbeing of workers is paramount to all stakeholders.

The event also provided a forum to address challenges, including inadequate worker preparation, a rise in social issues, unaddressed pre-existing medical conditions, and the need for improved worker welfare and safe working environments.

Steve Burdette, Executive Officer of AEA highlighted the role of ensuring Tongan workers are better prepared upon arrival in Australia to fill the right positions. Pastoral care and cultural integration were also identified as an integral component to the ongoing success of the scheme.

Leinolo Lakai, from Labour Sending Unit (LSU) of the Tongan Ministry of Internal Affairs outlined its role in worker registration, screening, pre-departure briefings, and welfare support, also emphasizing the importance of timely recruitment, regular consultations with employers, and customized pre-departure content. The LSU recommended that Approved Employers increase in-country visits.

Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho invited all stakeholders, governments, businesses, and community organizations to continue working collaboratively. “Your ongoing commitment to the PALM program is vital for the success of both Tonga and Australia. Let us work together to maximize the benefits of this program, ensuring that it remains a source of opportunity and growth for all involved,” she said