Kaya Barry

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.

Lucy Cooper, an ABC reporter, highlights the alarming plight of PALM Scheme workers in Australia. Susan Pino and Wayne Levy share their heart-wrenching experiences of low pay and exploitation, with Levy lamenting the struggle to support his family. Dr. Kaya Barry reveals visa cancellations leading to legal limbo for many workers. Paul Matum discusses local efforts in Leighton to provide support for these disengaged workers. The conversation exposes a system in dire need of reform and more protection for vulnerable laborers.

Join Kaya Barry, a cultural geographer focusing on seasonal migrants, and Nunes Cosbar, a Timorese musician on a PALM visa, as they dive into the unseen experiences of temporary workers in Australia. They discuss the emotional challenges and aspirations faced by these workers in agriculture, alongside Ken Dachi and Ema Vueti, who advocate for community connections. Explore the complexities of the PALM scheme, including exploitation, family separations, and the cultural contributions that enrich rural communities.