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.

How are workers supported while they’re in Australia?

Any employer signing up to the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) or Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) must meet specific eligibility criteria, pass strict compliance checks and make sure they plan for the ongoing health and wellbeing of their workers.

Ensuring workers are well looked after means employers are not only complying with Australian workplace laws, they are also creating positive, productive working environments within their businesses.

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 help protect workers against exploitation while they are here. Regular check-ins are also conducted to make sure employers are taking good care of their workers, and workers are happy with their conditions.

Ongoing pastoral care

Ongoing care is provided by employers and Pacific Labour Facility (PLF) staff for all workers before, during and after their time in Australia.

Before workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste come to Australia through the PLS, they participate in pre-departure training that outlines detailed information about how they will be supported in Australia.

When they arrive in Australia, workers are met straight off the plane by their employer. Employers then support the workers as they settle into their new homes and communities and provide them with ongoing advice while they are here.

PLS workers can call a 24-hour telephone hotline for help and advice whenever they need it. Employers and PLF staff also provide information on a range of topics to help workers, including: