How are workers supported while they're in Australia?
All Pacific island and Timor-Leste workers participating in Australian labour mobility programs have the same rights and protections as Australian workers. Built-in systems protect people against exploitation.
Read more about worker welfareOngoing pastoral care
Before workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste come to Australia through the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), they are given comprehensive information about our Worker Welfare Team and how we will support them while they are living and working in Australia.
Our staff provide ongoing care for workers before, during and after their time in Australia. We meet people off the plane, help them settle into their new home, provide ongoing advice and support, and then help them settle when they return home.
Both Seasonal Worker Programme and PLS workers can call a 24-hour telephone hotline for help and advice whenever they need it.
We provide specific guidance to PLS workers on various topics including:
- how to access personal finance and banking services
- how to send money home
- what they will need to buy (SIM cards, phones, clothing, etc)
- the Fair Work Ombudsman
- their workplace rights and entitlements
- health and medical contacts
- contacts for any diaspora in the area where they will live and work.
