The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, met with Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald in Suva to affirm their dedication to enhancing work rights and the welfare of Fijian workers involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Program.
The key objective of their meeting was to strengthen the partnership between Fiji and Australia concerning the PALM Program. During their discussions, Singh and McDonald addressed serious allegations related to modern-day slavery, racism, bullying, excessive workloads, unjust termination, and unsafe working conditions within the program.
Minister Singh underscored the necessity of bolstering compliance mechanisms. Following recent media reports on these issues, the Fiji Country Liaison Officer (CLO) and the Department of Workplace Relations (DEWR) are conducting thorough investigations with full support from the Australian High Commission. The High Commissioner confirmed that the investigation team would visit the workplaces over the weekend.
Additionally, Singh mentioned discussions about appointing another CLO to be stationed in Queensland and increasing travel allowances for current CLOs to better address workers’ grievances, particularly in remote areas of Australia. The importance of direct communication with DEWR and the establishment of desk officers for more efficient support was also highlighted.
Singh expressed appreciation for the Fair Work Ombudsman’s efforts in promoting fair treatment and adherence to workplace standards. A ministerial visit to Australia is planned for October 2024 to further enhance the labor mobility program, ensuring benefits for both Fijian workers and Australia. The High Commission will organize a meeting with the new Minister overseeing the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).