17/04/2026
Welfare of Vanuatu Workers under the PALM Scheme – Mena Creek, Innisfail (Australia)
The High Commission would like to clarify the following in response to a social media post about the Vanuatu workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme in Mena Creek - Innisfail - Australia.
The High Commission can confirm that the Labour Attaché was informed of the concerns raised by the workers, particularly regarding accommodation conditions that do not meet PALM Scheme requirements. Immediate communication was established with the Approved Employer (AE) to seek clarification, and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) was promptly notified to assist in addressing these urgent issues.
The High Commission has taken the following actions:
1. The Vanuatu High Commission received the video and photographs of the accommodation earlier this week during discussions with the workers regarding other welfare concerns they had raised. The Vanuatu High Commission also received the same information from the Police Liaison Officer in Innisfail, who was assured that the matter would be addressed in coordination with DEWR.
2. Following receipt of the videos and photographs, the Vanuatu High Commission contacted DEWR staff based in Townsville to request immediate intervention on this issue.
3. DEWR subsequently assured the Vanuatu High Commission that they would work with the employer to arrange for the workers to be relocated from the current accommodation.
4. The Vanuatu High Commission then followed up with both the Approved Employer (AE) and DEWR regarding the progress of these arrangements and confirmed that temporary accommodation has been secured. The workers are expected to move by Monday, 20 April 2026 to the new allocated accommodation. The High Commission acknowledges the lengthy process required to facilitate the relocation and has continued to communicate with the workers throughout.
5. The Vanuatu High Commission is also working with DEWR to facilitate the transfer of the six workers from their current employer.
The High Commission remains firmly committed to safeguarding the welfare of all Vanuatu workers participating in the PALM Scheme, as well as supporting disengaged workers who reach out for assistance.
Should any workers require assistance from our office, please Contact directly the Vanuatu High Commission Email: [email protected] – [email protected] or call (02) 6282 9931.
