The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has confirmed that the Ministry is aware of a recent Facebook post regarding the death of a former Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) female worker, Christine Lewailagi, who passed away in June 2024.
Minister Singh explained that Lewailagi had left Fiji to work for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria in May 2022. On June 17, 2024, the Ministry received an incident notification from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). This report indicated that Lewailagi had experienced a headache the week prior and was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
She was subsequently transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne for further examination, where she underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor. The report noted that she was on life support and faced a very low chance of recovery. Tragically, Lewailagi passed away on June 19, 2024, and her body was repatriated to Fiji for burial on July 6.
Minister Singh expressed deep concern over the employment conditions and issues raised on social media. The Country Liaison Officer in Victoria is currently investigating these matters to ensure they are appropriately addressed.
The CLO, in collaboration with DEWR, will assess concerns with the employer and the Fijian workers to ensure their welfare is protected and that they are treated respectfully.
Additionally, the Employment Ministry plans to visit PALM workers in October to meet with Australian authorities, employers, and Fijian workers under the scheme to discuss various challenges, including racism, bullying, excessive workloads, exploitation, threats, unsafe working conditions, unfair termination, and forced labor.
Singh emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with Australian authorities and employers to improve oversight and ensure compliance with fair labor practices. This initiative will include regular workplace inspections, audits, and a zero-tolerance policy for any exploitation or mistreatment.
In related news, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) has also pledged support for ensuring that approved employers comply with minimum labor standards during the recent Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Suva.