Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of the most commonly-asked queries about Pacific labour mobility, including the main differences between the Seasonal Worker Programme and the Pacific Labour Scheme.

Find out which countries are involved

What is the Seasonal Worker Programme?

The Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) helps employers in the Australian agricultural and accommodation sectors in selected regional and rural locations to access unskilled and low-skilled seasonal labour from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste when they cannot find labour locally.

The SWP contributes to the economic development of the 9 participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste by providing access to work opportunities in Australia.

For more information about the SWP, visit the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business’ SWP page.

What is the Pacific Labour Scheme?

The Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) builds on the success of the SWP. It is designed to help Australian businesses address chronic labour shortages and deliver a stable and productive workforce where local labour is not available.

The PLS enables citizens from 9 Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to take up low-skilled and semi-skilled work opportunities in all sectors in rural and regional Australia for up to 3 years.

What are the main differences between the Seasonal Worker Programme and the Pacific Labour Scheme?

 

Anton Wasang, a worker from Papua New Guinea
Seasonal Worker Programme Pacific Labour Scheme
Length of time Up to 9 months One to 3 years
Industries Agriculture, accommodation (in select locations) All sectors in rural and regional Australia
Locations Agriculture: Nationally. Accommodation: WA, NT, Tropical North Qld and Kangaroo Island Rural and regional Australia
Skill levels Unskilled and low-skilled Low-skilled and semi-skilled
Labour market testing Required Required
Responsible agency Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Age of workers 21 years and over 21-45 years
Partner countries Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu

The Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) puts Australian job-seekers first. Employers must advertise jobs in Australia and demonstrate that they cannot fill vacancies with Australian workers before becoming eligible to participate in the PLS.

All participating workers have the same rights and protections as Australian workers. Employers and Pacific Labour Facility staff provide information on a range of topics to help workers, including:

  • finding affordable accommodation and appropriate living arrangements
  • accessing personal finance, superannuation, insurance and banking services
  • completing tax returns
  • sending money home
  • what they will need to buy (SIM cards, phones, clothing, etc.)
  • getting an Australian driver’s licence
  • the Fair Work Ombudsman
  • workplace rights and entitlements
  • health and medical contacts
  • education and training opportunities
  • contacts for any diaspora in the community where they will live and work.

If you want to express your interest in joining the program as an approved employer, you can complete our online expression of interest form, or download a copy of the form, complete it and send it to (enquiries@pacificlabourfacility.com.au).

If you have any questions, please get in touch by email (enquiries@pacificlabourfacility.com.au).