PALM Scheme Review: How you can Contribute to the Review
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is currently conducting an important Review of the Impact of the PALM Scheme Deed and Guidelines Settings, with a focus on improving key aspects of the scheme. Phase one, which concluded in December 2024, primarily addressed the minimum hours settings, and an important update has been announced:
Key Update: Extension of Minimum Hours Obligation
The Australian Government has extended the minimum hours obligation of 120 hours over 4 weeks until 31 March 2026. For more details, click here.
Key Areas of Focus
The second phase of the review has now begun, focusing on several critical areas:
- Accommodation Standards
- Pay Parity
- Low Hours Safety Net
- Minimum Net Pay Guarantee
- Welfare and Wellbeing Support
- Transparency of Deductions
- Cultural Competency
- Transport Standards
DEWR is seeking feedback from all stakeholders involved in the PALM scheme. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of the scheme and contribute to discussions on these important topics.
How You Can Contribute:
There are two main ways to provide your input:
1. Join a Virtual Discussion Group
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 11:59pm AEDT to participate in a virtual discussion group.
Discussion groups will be held between April 2025 and mid-May 2025.
DEWR will contact you via email in late March 2025 to confirm your scheduled group.
2. Provide a Written Submission
In April 2025, a dedicated PALM scheme consultation page will be available on DEWR’s Consultation Hub for written submissions.
Written submissions will close in mid-May 2025. DEWR will notify stakeholders by email once the consultation page is live.
Stakeholders can participate in both the discussion groups and provide written feedback.
Important Dates:
EOI Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 11:59pm AEDT
Virtual Discussion Groups: April 2025 to mid-May 2025
Written Submissions Deadline: Mid-May 2025
Please forward this invitation to any other stakeholders who may be interested in participating. Together, we can ensure that the PALM scheme continues to meet the needs of all involved.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the PALM Research and Evaluation Team at [email protected].
Read a recent story of a Freedom Hub Survivor who has had a poor experience in the PALM SCHEME here.