Imagine leaving your home to work in a completely new country, with the opportunity to learn valuable skills, earn a steady income and send money back to your family. This is the reality for many workers from the Pacific Islands to Timor-Leste, thanks to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.

Whether you're picking fruit on a farm, working in meat processing, or as part of a production line, the PALM Scheme offers more than just a job - it’s an opportunity to gain valuable skills, grow professionally in Australia, and send income back home to support your family and village. These PALM scheme jobs provide valuable experience, allowing you to contribute to Australia's thriving sectors while supporting your family back home.

Read on to learn more about how you can be part of this life-changing opportunity and start your journey to working in Australia.

The Labour Sending Unit (LSU) in your country will choose workers to send to PALM Scheme approved employers in Australia for their consideration. To qualify for the PALM Scheme, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid passport for the length of your contract (or be able to get one) 
• be physically fit and healthy for the job. 
• have no criminal record (if you lived or worked in another country for over 12 months since you were 16, you need a policy check from that country) 
• be of good character  
• have the qualifications and/or work experience that employers need. 
• show a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and support your employer’s values.  
• plan to return to your country after your contract ends. 
• be over 21 years of age. 
• have a good level of English (for long term jobs only) 

If you’re from the Pacific Islands or Timor-Leste and interested in working in Australia, the PALM Scheme could be your pathway to a brighter future. The first step is to reach out to the Labour Sending Unit (LSU) in your country. The LSU plays a vital role in selecting candidates and connecting them with Australian employers who are looking for skilled workers in sectors like agriculture, horticulture and more.

Once you’ve made contact with the LSU, they’ll guide you through the application process and help match you with available positions that suit your skills. It’s important to remember that you’ll need a valid passport and meet the health and character requirements is essential to being considered.

If you’re selected for a job in Australia under the PALM Scheme, congratulations!

Your employer (for example, RWM) will arrange and cover your travel costs, including flights and some other essential expenses to get you to Australia. Once you arrive and begin working, you’ll repay these costs gradually through deductions from your wages.

This arrangement helps ease the financial burden of moving to another country, allowing you to focus on your new job, learn valuable skills and start earning an income to support your family and community back home. It’s the beginning of a life-changing journey!

Our recruitment specialists fill critical roles for the across multiple Australian sectors and their workforce needs, such as:

• Farm hands and agricultural workers - Assist with various farm tasks, including planting, harvesting, and caring for crops. These roles provide hands-on experience in Australia’s food production industry.
• Fruit pickers and packers - Help pick, sort and pack fresh produce for the market. If you enjoy working outdoors and have a strong attention to detail, this could be the perfect role.
• Livestock workers - Care for and manage livestock, including cattle, sheep and poultry. This role is ideal for those passionate about animals and animal husbandry.
• Horticulture specialists - Work in nurseries or greenhouses, maintaining plants, flowers and trees. Horticulture roles offer a chance to learn more about plant growth and garden management.
• Machine operators - Operate farming machinery for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and processing crops. This is an important role for anyone with experience using agricultural equipment.

• Build new skills that you can use when you return to your community. 
• Earn income in Australia to send home to help support your family and community. 
• Get hands on experience and learn new skills while working in the Australian food and agriculture job sector.
• Long term workers can earn qualifications like a certificate in meat processing, which can lead to higher pay and career growth. 
• Workers in Australia can make more money than at home, supporting their village and local economy. 
• Under the PALM Scheme, you have the same rights and protections as Australian workers.

At the heart of the PALM Scheme is a commitment to the wellbeing of our workers. We want your experience in Australia to be both rewarding and fulfilling. We understand that moving to a new country can be challenging, and that’s why we offer dedicated support throughout your journey.

Whether you’re adjusting to a new job or settling into life in a rural Australian community, we provide 24/7 pastoral care to assist with various aspects of your life.

• Recruitment: We offer in-country interviews, information sessions, and conduct physical assessments and medical tests to ensure we understand your skills and experience fully. This process helps us match you with the best opportunities.
• Immigration and visas: Our team takes care of all visa requirements, handling the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry. We work directly with the Labour Sending Unit to ensure a smooth and timely visa process, giving you peace of mind as you prepare for your new job in Australia.
• Travel and mobilisation: We arrange your flights to Australia and organise transport directly to your new employer. We ensure every detail is taken care of, so your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on starting your new role.
• Induction and onboarding: Upon arrival, we ensure a warm welcome with health checks, vaccinations, and cultural orientation to help you settle in. Our comprehensive onboarding process makes your transition to life in Australia easier, so you feel supported from day one.
• Accommodation and transport: We help you find safe and comfortable housing, ideally located for your work and local amenities. We also ensure you have reliable transport options for a hassle-free commute, making your everyday life more convenient and stress-free.
• Finance and insurance support: We guide you through managing your income, setting up local bank accounts, and sending money back home. Our support ensures you have a strong financial foundation as you settle into your new life and work in Australia.
• 24/7 pastoral care: Our cultural welfare teams provide 24/7 support, focusing on your emotional and religious wellbeing. We’re here to help you adjust to your new environment, stay connected to your culture, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Our experienced site managers and cultural welfare officers are here to ensure your transition is smooth. They understand your role, the expectations of your employer, and are always available to provide the specific support you need to succeed in both your work and your life in Australia.

Adjusting to a new country doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. RWM is here to help you settle in, from navigating workplace expectations to understanding the Aussie way of life. You’ll find tips on everything from local culture to getting around Australia, so you feel at ease as soon as possible.

Ready to take the next step? Check out our Living and Working in Australia guide, full of tips and advice to help you start this new chapter with confidence.