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Inside the Australian scheme accused of modern slavery

15 Feb 2026

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More than 30,000 people from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste are on a working visa in Australia as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme – or PALM. The government sells it as a ‘triple win’: workers earn Australian wages, Australian employers fill jobs they say they can’t fill locally, and money flows back to families and economies across the region. But Morgan Harrington has been investigating the cases where workers say they were exploited and mistreated – including being overcharged by their employer for housing that’s overcrowded and even dangerous. And because a worker’s visa is tied to one employer, leaving can mean losing your legal status – but thousands have chosen to, now living in Australia with the risk of deportation. Today, Postdoctoral Research Manager at the Australia Institute, Dr Morgan Harrington, on why the PALM scheme is ripe for exploitation – and why some say it’s a modern slavery risk. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Postdoctoral Research Manager at the Australia Institute, Dr Morgan Harrington Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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