What is the difference between the Seasonal Worker Programme and the Pacific Labour Scheme?

Through the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), employers who are having difficulties finding enough local labour can recruit unskilled workers in the agricultural and accommodation sectors in rural and regional Australia for up to 9 months.

These workers help growers harvest crops, increase productivity and get produce to market.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) enables employers in all sectors in rural and regional Australia to recruit low-skilled and semi-skilled workers for between one and 3 years, when there is not enough local labour available.

All workers who are in Australia through these Pacific labour mobility schemes have the same rights and protections as Australian workers. 

We have built-in systems to protect people against exploitation, and we provide ongoing advice and 24-hour support for all workers while they are here.

Get in touch with the SWP team

Information line: +61 (02) 6240 5234 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, Canberra time).
Email: (seasonalworker@employment.gov.au)

Contact the DFAT media team

Email: (media@dfat.gov.au)