PALM fosters links between people, businesses, and communities, creating deeper connections and understanding between Australia and the Pacific. PALM workers make an important contribution to the Australian economy, including addressing longstanding workforce issues across key sectors in the Australian economy. PALM enhances the cultural vibrancy of regional and rural communities across Australia.

Remittances from offshore workers also make up a significant share of gross domestic product for many Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. In a region where more than one-third of people live on less than $1,000 per year, long-term PALM workers send home an average of $15,000 per person per year.

We work with all participating countries to maximise benefits and ensure labour mobility delivers economic dividends for the region. We will deepen our focus on skills development so that PALM delivers a 'brain gain'— ensuring that after workers return home, they bring not only remittances but also new capabilities they can use to support the development of their communities and nations.

PALM illustrates how strong policy coherence across different tools of statecraft can deliver benefits for both Australia and our region. The Australian Government works with private sector partners under the scheme to provide access to job opportunities and ensure PALM workers have a positive experience while living and working in Australia.