Finding good workers can be hard. Whether you need help for harvest, packing, or year-round jobs, there are a few programs that can help banana growers like you. These are backed by the Australian Government and can make a big difference in keeping your farm running.
Here’s a simple guide to the main worker programs available now:
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
What is it?
This program helps banana farms bring in workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. You can hire workers for:
- Short-term work (up to 9 months), or
- Long-term work (1 to 4 years)
Many banana growers are already using PALM workers for harvest, bagging, and farm maintenance.
Where to get help:
- 🌐 Website: www.palmscheme.gov.au
- 📧 Email: palmscheme@dewr.gov.au
- 💬 Talk to your local PALM Regional Coordinator – Nicola Ellery is the contact for Mackay and FNQ, fnqldrc@picq.com.au
- PALM Scheme Employer information
- You can also contact your labour hire provider.
Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visas
What is it?
Young travellers (usually called backpackers) from other countries come to Australia to work and travel. They can work on banana farms for up to 6 months.
Why it’s useful:
- Great for short-term jobs during harvest or planting
- No need to be an approved employer
Where to find them:
- 🌐 immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-holiday
- 🧑🌾 Job boards like:
Labour Hire Licensing (Queensland)
What is it?
If you use a labour hire company to bring workers to your farm, they must be licensed. This is to protect both you and the workers.
Where to check:
Make sure your provider is on the list — using an unlicensed provider could lead to fines.
The Queensland Government has regular information and updates via their Labour Hire Licensing e-newsletter.
Subscribe here for information and updates regarding:
- Providers subject to licensing action (includes cancellations and suspensions of labour hire licences),
- General guidance for users of labour hire providers (e.g., for any growers using labour hire providers), and
- Provides a summary of recent successful prosecutions in NQ
Need More Help?
You can always ask ABGC for support. We’re here to help banana growers like you understand the rules and find the right worker options.
📩 Contact Kathryn Dryden – Member Services & Advocacy Manager
📧 kathryn.dryden@abgc.org.au
Banana farms across Australia rely on good workers. These programs are working well for many growers already. If you want to know more or want to discuss current challenges with workforce recruitment that you’d like addressed, please reach out. We’re happy to help.