A family in Tau Village, Nadroga, is devastated as plans for their father’s 50th birthday celebration crumble following the death of their daughter, Christine Lewailagi. The 24-year-old passed away in June under questionable circumstances while working in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Christine’s parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are demanding answers regarding the events leading to their daughter’s untimely demise. “We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death,” Ms. Tabua expressed tearfully when approached by reporters.
Christine left Fiji in May 2022 to support her family financially, working as a slaughterhouse assistant for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria under PALM Scheme Visa 403. Ms. Tabua described her daughter as a victim of “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery,” common among Pacific Island workers in seasonal employment.
“She would call every day to express how mistreated she felt in Australia,” Ms. Tabua shared. “She was often tasked with taking care of 5,000 to 6,000 sheep on her own, which was overwhelming.” She recounted that her daughter often faced harsh treatment at work and was denied time off even after expressing her need for rest.
As Christine’s family seeks answers about her death, a close family friend, Ross Johnston from Australia, characterized her demise as indicative of “modern-day slavery.” He noted that many workers under the PALM Scheme fear speaking out due to a lack of rights, and that they end up enduring severe treatment. Johnston claimed that after his Facebook post about the issue gained attention, numerous Fijian workers reached out to share their similar experiences of mistreatment.
“Christine’s death not only saddens me as I mourn my granddaughter, but also highlights the grim reality of how Pacific Island workers, including Fijians, are treated in Australia,” Johnston remarked. He also noted the financial burden placed on workers regarding medical care access, as they often pay over $1,000 for treatment.
On June 17, the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations informed the Fijian Ministry of Employment that Christine had suffered a headache a week prior and was hospitalized. She later underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor at Austin Hospital in Melbourne. The report indicated that she was on life support and her prognosis was uncertain.
Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh stated that the conditions and issues raised on social media are being taken seriously and investigated through the country’s liaison officer in Victoria. The ministry plans to visit PALM workers in October to address problems like racism, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions.
Christine’s death certificate revealed she passed away due to meningioma, a type of tumor affecting the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord.
Vani Catanasiga, executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, emphasized the need for the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to intervene. She criticized the authorities in both Fiji and Australia for failing to ensure the welfare of workers in the PALM scheme, which could lead to significant human rights violations.
The Australian High Commission in Suva acknowledged awareness of the allegations surrounding Christine’s treatment and stated that the Australian government takes claims of worker mistreatment seriously, promising to investigate promptly.