Publications
Summary of publication
The Pacific Labour Facility (PLF) is a $127.5m contracted mechanism to support implementation of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The PALM scheme is central to Australia’s commitment to build a stronger Pacific family, enabling businesses to access productive and reliable workers when they are unable to fill jobs locally and enabling Pacific workers to develop skills, earn income and support their families back home.
In 2023, an independent evaluation was commissioned to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the PLF and its contribution to DFAT’s development policy priorities: sustainability, gender, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL). The evaluation found the PLF had delivered effective, efficient and culturally appropriate services within a highly complex and dynamic operating and policy context; and had supported an unforeseen increase in worker numbers. The evaluation concluded that the scheme remained an appealing proposition for workers, their communities and for labour sending governments, and a strategically important initiative for Australia. Most stakeholders argued for future support along the lines of the PLF, but with clearer delineation of responsibilities and accountabilities.
DFAT agrees with the overall findings of the evaluation and accepts, or partially accepts the seven recommendations put forward in the evaluation. The evaluation findings will inform the development of the next phase of DFAT’s support to the PALM scheme.