Illustrative photograph. Not a specific Orchard Tech workplace or a named PALM worker.
Last reviewed: 29 August 2026. This is a news summary of DEWR’s current fuel and transport notices on the PALM scheme homepage. It is not a change to the deed unless DEWR says so in writing.
DEWR is watching fuel supply and price pressures linked to conflict in the Middle East. The department’s public line is that Australia’s overall fuel supply remains secure, that fuel continues to flow, and that some localised supply pressures may occur. PALM scheme workers should continue to attend work as usual unless their employer tells them otherwise. Worker welfare remains a stated priority.
Transport plans have not been waived
Approved Employers still have to meet the Deed and Guidelines, including transport and worker welfare and wellbeing arrangements. What DEWR has added is a temporary process for requesting transport plan variations where fuel supply issues drive higher transport costs. The department calls this an operational measure, not a policy change. Worker protections are unchanged.
Employers must get departmental approval before implementing any transport plan changes. DEWR says a step-by-step guide is on the PALM scheme website. If you cannot find the PDF, ask your relationship manager or the support line: 1800 51 51 31 or palm@dewr.gov.au. For broader fuel-market information DEWR points to fuelplan.gov.au.
What hosts should not do
- Do not start charging workers a new “fuel levy” because diesel went up this week. Deductions still have to be lawful under the Fair Work Act and the deed.
- Do not cancel a committed transport run and tell workers to find their own way without an approved variation and a welfare plan.
- Do not treat a local servo outage as a reason to skip fortnightly welfare meetings or medical travel that the deed requires.
Orchard Tech’s placements are in Victoria and New South Wales only. If a site in those states cannot move workers safely, that is a welfare and WHS issue as well as a PALM transport-plan issue.
Sources checked 29 August 2026: PALM scheme homepage (fuel supply update; temporary process for transport plan variations); fuelplan.gov.au (referred from the PALM homepage).
