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, 24, under controversial circumstances in June. Christine was employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme in Melbourne, Australia, and her parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are desperately seeking answers about the events leading to her death.
“We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death,” Ms. Tabua said tearfully when approached for a comment. Christine, like many Fijians participating in seasonal work abroad, left Fiji in May 2022 to provide financial support for her family.
Working as a slaughterhouse assistant for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria on a PALM Visa 403, Christine reportedly expressed feeling mistreated and subjected to what her mother described as “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery” that many Pacific Islands workers often face while employed overseas. Ms. Tabua recounted that Christine would frequently call home, detailing the harsh treatment she received at work and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for 5,000 to 6,000 sheep alone, which was beyond her capacity.
Ms. Tabua shared, “She worked and lived in a foreign land where her right to safety was not recognized. She once stood up to her supervisor and expressed her need for a break, reminding them that she was not a machine.”
A close family friend, Ross Johnston, referred to the circumstances surrounding Christine’s death as indicative of “modern-day slavery.” He noted that many workers under the scheme fear speaking out due to a lack of rights and have echoed Christine’s experiences of mistreatment. Johnston, who has visited Christine’s family numerous times and views her as a granddaughter, voiced concern about the treatment workers endure and the fear that prevents them from advocating for themselves.
Addressing the conditions surrounding Christine’s death, reports revealed that she had been hospitalized after experiencing headaches and underwent surgery for a brain tumor on June 17. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the employment conditions of Fijian workers in Australia and emphasized that the Fiji Government is taking steps to address these issues in collaboration with Australian authorities.
Ms. Lewailagi’s death certificate indicated that she passed away due to meningioma, a type of tumor affecting the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord. Vani Catanasiga, the executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, criticized authorities in both Australia and Fiji for failing to protect workers under the Vuvale partnership. She highlighted that while Australia projects itself as a global leader in human rights, many Fijian workers experience exploitation upon arriving in Australian workplaces.
The Australian High Commission in Suva confirmed awareness of the allegations surrounding Ms. Lewailagi and stated that the Australian government is committed to investigating any claims of mistreatment of workers seriously.