The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which enabled 31,000 workers to support Australia's agriculture, aged care, hospitality, and tourism sectors as of March 2025, also led to workers accumulating superannuation balances ranging from $3,000 to $16,000. These funds can only be claimed after the worker's visa expires and they return home.
Although PALM workers are entitled to superannuation, many face hurdles due to language barriers and lack of access to necessary technology, resulting in substantial unclaimed super funds. Reforms have been recommended by Dr Rob Whait of UniSA, who outlines the process complexities and calls attention to the lack of responsibility on employers to provide claim instructions.
The recommendations include simplifying the process by allowing superannuation to be paid directly into existing funds in the workers' home countries or integrating it into their wages. This could alleviate financial strain for the workers, enabling them to support their families and communities immediately.
Dr Whait also highlighted the strategic importance of the PALM scheme to Australia's relationships with Pacific nations. Adopting a more accessible approach, as exemplified by New Zealand’s wage-based system, may enhance these bilateral relations and ensure PALM workers benefit economically.
Incorporating these changes could not only assist workers but also bolster Australia's influence and diplomacy in the Pacific region. However, reforms must be sensitive to existing political dynamics, necessitating further research to confirm the approach aligns with both Australian and Pacific interests.
