Big Ideas We asked for workers and got people — life on the controversial visa putting food on your plate
Jan 14, 2026
Dr. Kaya Barry, cultural geographer and researcher, sheds light on the lives of seasonal PALM workers, revealing their yearning for permanence amid challenging conditions. Emma Vuetti, President of the Pacific Islands Council, highlights the social and economic impacts on communities, while Ken Dachi from Welcoming Australia discusses the integration challenges faced by these workers. Nunes Cosbar shares his personal journey from Timor-Leste, emphasizing the cultural richness and community spirit among workers, despite issues like wage theft and precarious living situations.
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PALM: Economic Gain With Human Costs
- The PALM scheme supplies nearly 30,000 workers to almost 500 Australian employers across many industries.
- The program yields clear economic benefits but also creates strict conditions and significant vulnerabilities for workers.
Musician-Farmer's Dual Life
- Nunes Cosbar and his wife met while working for the same berry company and have cycled to Australia for work for eight years.
- Nunes balances hard farm work with music and photography, showing workers are more than labourers.
Early Starts, Long Commutes, Communal Living
- Most PALM accommodation is employer-managed communal housing with long communal living spells.
- Farm days start early with long unpaid commutes and physically demanding hours, intensifying worker strain.