A family’s plans to celebrate their father’s 50th birthday in Tau Village, Nadroga, have been shattered following the tragic death of their daughter, Christine Lewailagi, aged 24, under troubling circumstances in June. Christine had been working in Melbourne, Australia, under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Her parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are desperately seeking answers regarding the events surrounding their daughter’s untimely death. “We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death,” Ms. Tabua expressed tearfully in an interview.
Like many Fijians seeking seasonal work abroad, Ms. Lewailagi left Fiji in May 2022 to provide financial support for her family. She was employed as a slaughterhouse assistant at Midfield Meat Group in Victoria under the PALM Visa 403. Her mother has claimed that her daughter fell victim to “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery” that many workers from Pacific islands experience while engaged in seasonal labor.
Ms. Tabua recounted how Christine would often share her feelings of mistreatment while in Australia. She stated that her daughter mentioned being tasked with caring for 5,000 to 6,000 sheep daily, a workload she found overwhelming. Christine reportedly expressed frustration over not being allowed breaks and feeling like she was treated inhumanely.
A close family friend from Australia, Ross Johnston, described Christine’s death as emblematic of modern-day slavery, noting that many workers under the PALM scheme are often too fearful to voice their concerns. He indicated that he had received troubling revelations from Christine’s co-workers, who reported abusive working conditions.
On June 17, Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations informed Fiji’s Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations that Christine had been hospitalized after experiencing severe headaches. She underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor at Austin Hospital in Melbourne but remained on life support before passing away.
Minister Agni Deo Singh stated that the ministry is looking into the employment conditions raised in the case and planned to visit PALM workers in Australia to address concerns surrounding racism, bullying, and exploitation. He assured that the Fiji Government is committed to ensuring fair labor practices for Fijian workers.
Christine’s death certificate indicated that she died from meningioma, a type of brain tumor.
Vani Catanasiga, executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, emphasized the inadequacies in monitoring the welfare of workers within the Vuvale partnership scheme. She criticized both Fiji and Australian authorities for their failure to protect workers who support Australia’s economy.
The Australian High Commission in Fiji acknowledged awareness of the allegations regarding Ms. Lewailagi’s treatment and stated that the Australian government takes such claims seriously and will conduct thorough investigations.