URGENT UPDATE: A tragic fire has forced Solomon Islander Waltera Foxsiamanu to abandon his job in Queensland, cutting short his hopes for a better life under the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. After losing his family home in Honiara, Foxsiamanu, 32, rushed back to care for his mother, leaving him stranded and uncertain about his future in Australia.
The PALM scheme, designed to fill labor shortages in Australia, allows Pacific Islanders to work for up to four years, primarily in agriculture. However, due to his unexpected return home, Foxsiamanu now faces bureaucratic hurdles that threaten his ability to return to his lucrative position in Biloela.
“It’s quite difficult, I really want to get back so I can complete the home,” Foxsiamanu said. Before the fire, he earned around $1,000 a week, a sum that takes a local cab driver three months to earn. This income allowed him to support his family and contribute to rebuilding efforts, making his current limbo even more heartbreaking.
The contrast is stark between those who have benefited from the PALM scheme and those still struggling in Honiara. Foxsiamanu expressed concern for families living in cramped, dilapidated homes, stating, “It’s so sad to see people just living in a small, tiny house, yeah, with no rooms, no place for the family to have dinner.”
As climate change exacerbates housing issues in the Solomon Islands, many families are forced to relocate due to rising sea levels, further complicating the struggle for adequate living conditions. The economic disparity is evident, with some PALM workers returning home able to build larger homes, while others remain in inadequate housing.
Australia’s involvement in the PALM scheme is intended to foster stronger ties with Pacific nations as China increases its influence in the region. However, the scheme has drawn criticism from United Nations special rapporteur Tomoya Obokata, who highlighted issues of exploitation and modern slavery risks faced by workers. These concerns include underpayments, hazardous working conditions, and the power imbalance created by visa restrictions.
Despite these challenges, the Australian government, represented by Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth, is committed to refining the PALM program. “Broadly, I get very positive feedback around the PALM scheme, but of course, we’re always looking at how we refine it and improve it,” she stated.
Foxsiamanu’s situation underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of workers participating in the PALM scheme. As he navigates this difficult chapter, his hopes for returning to Australia and rebuilding both his home and his family’s future remain uncertain.
The local community watches closely, as many families depend on the financial support sent home by PALM workers. Foxsiamanu’s story is a poignant reminder of the human impact of labor mobility schemes and the urgent need for improvements that protect vulnerable workers.
As developments unfold, the future of Foxsiamanu and many others hangs in the balance, highlighting the ongoing struggle for better living conditions and opportunities in the Solomon Islands.
