Agricultural
10 June, 2024
Update On Palm Scheme
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has welcomed the Federal Government’s backflip on ill-advised changes to the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, after The Nationals strongly advocated against the now-defunct minimum hours of work requirement.
“Despite warnings from the Coalition and industry bodies, last year, Labor ploughed ahead with unworkable changes to the PALM Scheme, jeopardising our agricultural industry in Maranoa and our foreign relations,” MrLittleproud said.
“The changes forced employers in Maranoa to guarantee 30 hours per week.
“Those whose day jobs actually involve growing the world’s freshest produce knew there was a deep-rooted lack of comprehension of seasonality and how weather can dictate the hours a PALM employer can provide.
“These flaws were raised in Senate Estimates, in Questions in Writing to the Minister for the Pacific and through strong media advocacy which has, thankfully, turned the tide. Industry advocates were also vehemently against the changes.
“Thankfully, now the Government has backflipped but only after seeing a decline of 10.2 per cent in short-term workers and 10.4 per cent for all PALM workers in agriculture.
“From July 1 growers will now be able to offer 120 hours of work averaged over four weeks to workers employed under the PALM in Maranoa, a sensible decision.
