The Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has confirmed that the Ministry is aware of a recent case involving a former Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) female worker, Christine Lewailagi, who passed away in June 2024.
Minister Singh reported that Lewailagi traveled from Fiji to work for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria in May 2022 under the PALM scheme. According to the Ministry, on June 17, 2024, they received notification of the incident from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The report indicated that Lewailagi had been experiencing severe headaches a week prior and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
She was subsequently transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne over the weekend for further examination and underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor. The report revealed that she was placed on life support and prognosis was bleak. Tragically, Lewailagi passed away on June 19, 2024, and her remains were repatriated on July 6 for burial in Fiji.
Singh expressed that the Ministry is taking the employment conditions and concerns raised on social media seriously. They are collaborating with the Country Liaison Officer in Victoria to ensure that the welfare of Fijian workers is prioritized and that they are treated with dignity.
The Minister disclosed that the Employment Ministry plans to visit PALM workers in October to engage with Australian counterparts, employers, and Fijian workers to address various issues, including racism, bullying, excessive workloads, exploitation, threats, unsafe work practices, unfair termination, and forced labor.
The Ministry aims to enhance cooperation with Australian authorities and employers to establish better oversight and ensure compliance with fair labor practices. This initiative will include regular workplace inspections, audits, and a strict zero-tolerance policy against exploitation or mistreatment.
Additionally, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) confirmed their support during the Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop held in Suva, emphasizing the importance of adherence to minimum standards by approved employers.