Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka plans to address the controversial Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) during the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. In an interview in Tonga, Mr. Rabuka expressed the need to reassess both the PALM scheme and the Seasonal Workers Scheme with New Zealand, given the concerns that have arisen.
The PALM scheme has faced significant criticism due to serious allegations of unsafe working conditions affecting Fijian workers, which has prompted a government investigation. In a tragic incident, Christine Lewailagi, a 24-year-old worker under the PALM scheme, passed away from a brain tumor in June, leading to revelations from her relatives in Australia about poor treatment, apparent racism, limited access to healthcare, sick leave issues, and job security threats. Mr. Rabuka has classified the scheme as akin to modern-day slavery.
“We need to handle this issue at the ministerial level, and if the Prime Minister is present, I will bring it up with him,” Mr. Rabuka stated, referencing Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is anticipated to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
While in Tonga, Mr. Rabuka was engaged by the Fijian community, which voiced concerns about the employment challenges faced by Fijians in Australia and New Zealand. In attendance were various officials, including the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, and Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Filipo Tarakinikini.
The Fijian community in Tonga has raised several concerns, including:
– Fijians being misled and subjected to poor working conditions and contract violations.
– The absence of a health scheme, resulting in foreign workers paying around $2,000 pa’anga (approximately FJ$1,872) in maternity fees.
– Difficulties renewal of passports and high airfare costs, with Fijians facing a one-way fare of approximately 1,200 pa’anga (FJ$1,123) on Fiji Airways, which they have requested to be lowered.