Who We Are

The Approved Employers of Australia (AEA) is an Association formed to represent those who participate in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Our Mission Statement

Approved Employers of Australia Ltd (AEA) provides support to its members to inform, educate and advocate on their behalf, assisting with the PALM Scheme, and other similar employment programs.

  • Our 2022-2023 Initiatives

    AEA wrote to Minister Wong on 12 July about the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme reforms. The AEA considers this reform agenda essential in supporting the PALM scheme now and into the future and has addressed the proposed reforms in “Attachment A: Review of proposed PALM scheme reforms”. The document outlines a number of key considerations as they relate to the proposed reforms and encompasses additional operational challenges within the program.

    DOWNLOAD LETTER

    DOWNLOAD ANNEXURE A

  • Our 2022-2023 Initiatives

    A presentation about the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and commentary from Richard Curtin - ‘Why isn't Australia’s seasonal worker programme much larger than it is?’

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    DOWNLOAD COMMENTARY

  • Our 2021-2022 Initiatives

    A detailed submission has been prepared and submitted to the SWP & PLS Alignment Group recommending significant improvements and changes to both programs under one management structure.

  • Our 2021-2022 Initiatives

    The establishment of two working groups to improve worker welfare and wellbeing and Accommodation and Transport for workers. The proposal includes an escalation process outlining the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder and access to professional advice to assist AEs and workers.

  • Our 2021-2022 Initiatives

    The ongoing absconding of workers and or breach of visa conditions remains a challenge. The AEA has submitted draft guidelines for the escalation and redeployment process. Home Affairs have also been requested to process Protection visas to discourage this pathway as an acceptable pathway to residency.

  • Our 2021-2022 Initiatives

    Requested changes to the flight matrix to make the costs more equitable to the AE and worker. A revised flight matrix has been agreed to and in place.

  • Our 2021-2022 Initiatives

    Resolved issues with one of the Pacific’s High Commissioners whose behaviour and treatment of AEs was unacceptable.

  • Our 2021-2022 Initiatives

    Hold regular meetings with one of the Labour Sending Units to address their high absconding rate.

  • Our 2022-2023 Initiatives

    The H-2A Programme – Presentation by Professor Phillip Martin from UC Davis in the USA

    DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION

Our Goals

  1. Knowledge of labour mobility programs

  2. Compliance and improvement to the programs

  3. Ensuring all stakeholders fully understand their roles and responsibility so the can be held accountable

  4. Positive messaging about employer activity and program benefits

  5. Contribute to the growth of the labour mobility programs

Our Values

  1. Integrity     

  2. Accountability 

  3. Commitment  

Our Standards

  1. Lead by example by doing what we say we do   

  2. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to benefit the program

  3. Commitment to worker Health, Welfare & Wellbeing as agreed by the Association

  4. Remuneration in accordance with relevant Industrial Relations Instrument 

  5. Compliance with minimum accommodation and transport standards agreed to by the Association

  6. AEA members agree to be held accountable to meet or exceed the standards set by the Association and notify the Executive of any AEA member not adhering to our standards

Become a Member

A total of 53 Approved Employers are members of the AEA, represent more than 8,000 + SWP and 2,000 PLS workers. The AEA welcomes all new Approved Employers interested in joining the Association to apply online today.