Agni Deo Singh, the Minister of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, has addressed concerns regarding the passing of a former employee of the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) program, which was recently highlighted on social media. The employee, Ms. Christine Lewailagi, left Fiji in May 2022 to work for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria.
Minister Singh noted that the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) informed the Ministry about the incident on June 17, 2024. Reports indicated that Ms. Lewailagi had been hospitalized a week earlier due to a severe headache. After further evaluation, she was transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne, where she underwent two procedures for brain tumors. Sadly, she was placed on life support and ultimately passed away on June 19, 2024. Her remains were returned to Fiji for burial on July 6.
Singh stated that the Country Liaison Officer based in Victoria is actively monitoring issues related to job conditions and challenges faced by Fijian workers, and steps will be taken to address these concerns effectively. He affirmed the commitment to protecting the welfare of Fijian workers and ensuring they are treated with respect.
In October, the Fijian government, through the Employment Ministry, plans to engage with PALM workers to discuss various issues, such as racism, bullying, exploitation, and unsafe practices. This engagement will also involve meetings with Australian counterparts and employers.
The Ministry intends to collaborate closely with businesses and Australian authorities to enhance oversight and ensure fair labor practices, including routine workplace audits and a strict no-tolerance stance on any form of abuse or exploitation.
During a recent Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Suva, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) pledged its support to ensure compliance with minimum standards by certified firms.
The Employment Ministry will continue to address ongoing issues related to the PALM program through regular discussions with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Environment and Resources (DERR) as part of the Vuvale partnership agreement.