Riverina Mayor advocates for Pacific Islander PALM workers

Leeton Shire Council Mayor George Weston is advocating for better treatment and policy reforms for Pacific Islander workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. These workers, originating from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste, are essential to the Riverina region's agriculture, horticulture, and food processing sectors, including roles in abattoirs and aged care.

Despite their critical economic contributions, the PALM scheme has been identified as a modern slavery risk. Reports indicate that some workers face systematic challenges, including poor living and working conditions, underpayment, lack of access to superannuation or healthcare, and high tax expenses. Mayor Weston has previously highlighted the vulnerability of employees who are tied to a single employer or labour-hire company.

Morgan Harrington of the Australia Institute noted that these workers "deserve a fair go," suggesting that granting them the right to change employers if mistreated or providing access to Medicare would be reasonable protections for those helping to sustain Australian industries.