Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka plans to address his Australian counterpart regarding the contentious Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) during the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. Speaking from Tonga, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the need to reassess both the PALM and the Seasonal Workers Scheme with New Zealand.
The PALM scheme has faced significant criticism due to allegations of severe and unsafe working conditions for Fijian workers, prompting a government investigation. The scrutiny intensified after the death of 24-year-old Christine Lewailagi in June, who succumbed to a brain tumor while participating in the PALM program. Following her death, her family in Australia brought forth accusations of inadequate treatment, racism, healthcare restrictions, and threats regarding job security.
Mr. Rabuka condemned the scheme as a form of modern-day slavery. He noted that the Fijian Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, along with his Permanent Secretary, has been in Australia to uncover the truth behind these allegations, advocating for the matter to be discussed at a ministerial level.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is anticipated to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting tomorrow. During a recent gathering, Mr. Rabuka met with the Fijian community in Tonga, where various employment-related issues impacting workers in Australia and New Zealand were discussed. Present at the meeting were representatives from the Fijian government, including the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka.
Concerns voiced by the Fijian community in Tonga included reports of exploitation and subpar working conditions for Fijians working in Tonga, exorbitant maternity fees for healthcare, and difficulties faced by Fijians in renewing their passports due to high travel costs, with one-way airfares to Fiji reaching approximately 1,200 pa’anga (FJ$1,123.16). The community is seeking reductions in these travel expenses.