PNG Labour Mobility Unit

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

10/07/2026

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) is helping Papua New Guineans gain valuable skills, earn income, and support their families and local communities.

For John Pune from Lalaura in Abau District, Central Province, joining the PALM scheme was a chance to create a better future for himself and his family.

As the youngest in a family of 10, John said he joined the program to help build a house, pay school fees, and cover medical expenses for his mother.

John has also been able to support his mother after her recent hospital stay. Through the PALM scheme, John has also gained new skills, both personally and professionally.

The PALM scheme is a life changing program contributing to improving lives of Papua New Guineans like John and the Australian government is committed to continuing this support.

PNG Labour Mobility Unit

03/07/2026

We are proud to share that our Country Liaison Officer, Margaret Devete, represented the PNG Labour Mobility Unit in this important briefing.

Stakeholders came together in Sydney for the third Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme disengagement stakeholder briefing, designed to strengthen partnerships and focus on improving support for workers.

Representatives from across government, community and faith groups, partner countries, as well as the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and the Migrant Justice Institute, joined the discussion – reflecting a shared commitment to better outcomes.

The session reinforced a clear message: open dialogue and strong community presence are essential.

As NSW Anti‑Slavery Commissioner Dr James Cockayne noted,

“We are all here finding ways to make people feel safer, and raise any concerns.”

Discussions focused on practical supports for workers including visa pathways, lawful status, and assistance with pay and employment conditions, alongside the critical role of community outreach in preventing disengagement.

This ongoing engagement is helping to strengthen connections, build trust, and ensure workers have access to the information and support they need.

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Pacific Connex
NSW Council for Pacific Communities
Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea
Fiji Diaspora Women's Alliance Inc

03/07/2026

LMU PARTICIPATES IN WORLD BANK SEAH AWARENESS WORKSHOP

The Papua New Guinea Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) continues to strengthen its commitment to safeguarding and promoting safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces through participation in the World Bank-supported Papua New Guinea Fast Track Umbrella Facility for Gender Equality (UFGE) – Gender-Based Violence Project.

The PNG LMU officers attended the Development of Public Service Awareness Materials on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) workshop held from 1–2 July 2026 at Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby.

The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies to develop awareness materials and strengthen institutional capacity to prevent and respond to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment across the Papua New Guinea Public Service.

For the LMU, the workshop reinforces ongoing efforts under the World Bank funded Enhancing Labour Mobility from Papua New Guinea (ELM PNG) Project to ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of staff and workers participating in the Labour Mobility Program.

The LMU has established key safeguarding measures, including A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for reporting and resolving concerns and Safeguards and Code of Conduct inductions for LMU staff and seasonal workers.

The workshop provided valuable knowledge and practical tools that will support the LMU's ongoing communication and awareness activities, helping to strengthen understanding of SEAH prevention and reporting mechanisms within the organization and among workers.

The LMU values its partnership with the World Bank and other stakeholders in building a labour mobility program that is safe, ethical and inclusive for all Papua New Guineans.

Together, we are strengthening safeguards and promoting respectful workplaces for everyone.

01/07/2026

30/06/2026

PALM SCHEME WORKERS CONTRIBUTE TO CHURCH BUILDING

The PALM Scheme workers from Sivitatana Village, Rigo District, Central Province have played a vital role in the completion of the newly built Salvation Army Church in Sivitatana.

The official opening and dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, 27th June 2026, witnessed by the local community and church members.

Captain Misina Iarana of the Salvation Army Church, who led the construction project, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme workers for their dedication and to the PNG Labour Mobility Unit for providing the opportunity that enabled young men from the village to contribute meaningfully to both their community and the kingdom of God.

“The program has transformed the lives of these boys and the community as a whole. Their contribution is not for personal gain but a selfless gift to the church and the village. We look forward to the positive impacts this program will continue to bring,” said Captain Misina.

The new church now stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and the power of collective effort, marking a new chapter for Sivitatana Village.

12/06/2026

📢 Notice for PNG PALM Scheme Workers

Returning PALM Scheme workers are encouraged to begin their superannuation claim process prior to departing Australia.

“You can start in Australia before you come home to claim. The details you need are your superannuation fund details, TFN (tax file number), bank details and more. Make sure you have all your details before you come back to Papua New Guinea and claim your super.”

Claiming your super when you finalise working in Australia?

For more about what details you need to collect while still in Australia, click here: https://www.palmscheme.gov.au/resources/departing-australia-superannuation-payment-dasp-online-application-factsheet