Illegal workers who told the ABC’s Four Corners they had to work in poor conditions for cash because they had no money to fly home can apply for assistance, according to the Department of Home Affairs.
Duped: Food Exposed aired across two parts on Four Corners in late July and early August, promising to reveal one of the largest public food investigations ever undertaken in Australia.
Our investigation into the program found much of its evidence did not stand up, including reliance on a forensic lab not accredited by Australia’s regulators, a story line that closely followed an earlier BBC investigation using the same lab, being presented with extensive evidence from food companies that results of the tests must be wrong and ignoring it, and blurring the issues of food fraud with other issues in food supply including food quality, assurance, and labour force issues that are in no way deceptive or fraud against the consumer.
The second episode featured several workers who left the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme after complaining of poor pay and conditions, and some had turned to cash-in-hand fruit picking instead. Other claims about poor conditions and exploitation around Coffs Harbour were made by working holiday visa holders and overstayers.
The PALM scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from nine Pacific countries and Timor-Leste for short-term jobs of up to nine months or long-term roles of one to four years, in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions, when there are not enough local workers available. The scheme was criticised for making it difficult to change employers, and paying too little.
Timothy, introduced on the program as a former PALM worker living in a caravan park, said he left the scheme over low pay. He said he was collecting bottles to make money, on top of the $700 a week he was making picking oranges.
“I left the PALM Scheme because a week I can get only $260, 70,” Timothy said.
“How can I help my family at home?”
Another unnamed worker in the Riverina was asked if she wanted to go home and told the program she was planning to, but couldn’t afford it.
“I’m planning to, but because I don’t have enough money or a stable job, so I can like, save money to go home,” he said.
The PALM scheme, managed by the Department of Workplace Relations, requires employers to provide accomodation of a required standard and other provisions to ensure worker wellbeing. PALM workers also have the same workplace rights and protections, including the same pay, as Australian workers.
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said PALM workers were generally not left to cover the cost of returning home themselves.
“Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers, once they finish their role, are expected to go home and costs are generally covered as part of their employment conditions and contributions,” the spokesperson said.
But when they leave the PALM program without going home, or overstay another temporary visa, they become illegal workers, and lose the right to fair pay and conditions, and the other benefits of their programs.
However, they do have a choice. The department said help is available for workers who cannot fund their own return and have no other support options.
“The Department of Home Affairs may provide support to return home through the Return and Reintegration Assistance Program,” the spokesperson said.
“Eligible applicants must demonstrate they cannot support their own return and do not have other support avenues, for example through Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.”
The department said it also supports workers whose visas have expired or been cancelled, who can request an appointment with a Status Resolution Officer through its online form to discuss their options for departing Australia. Unlawful non-citizens can also apply online for a Bridging E visa, a short term visa that allows people to stay in the country while they sort out their immigration status.
Disengaged PALM workers wanting to re-engage with the scheme can call the PALM support line on 1800 515 131 or contact their country liaison officer.
The spokesperson said the department runs outreach activities across metropolitan and regional Australia with community leaders, peak bodies, government agencies and media outlets to promote these services.
Anyone with information about potential immigration offences, including overstayers or illegal work, is encouraged to report it through Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.
“The Department of Home Affairs, including the Australian Border Force, undertakes immigration compliance activities across all visa categories to protect migrant workers from exploitation, disrupt criminal networks and maintain the integrity of Australia’s visa system,” the spokesperson said.
Immigration compliance activities include educating employers about their legal obligations, informing migrant workers of their rights and providing assistance to individuals who may be vulnerable or in need of support, the spokesperson said.
The Australian Border Force is running ongoing national compliance operations, including in regional areas, though the department does not disclose specific locations, timings or frequencies for operational security reasons.
More information on assisted returns is available through Homeward, the Assisted Returns Program.
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