Argen Kuni, a migrant worker from the Solomon Islands, left his home in 2021 filled with aspirations to provide for his family through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. However, his journey took a tragic turn. Rather than experiencing the promised fair pay and favorable conditions, Argen faced harsh realities working at a meat processing plant where he endured difficult tasks and cramped living situations.
In 2022, after feeling deceived about his work conditions and concerned for his health, Argen moved away from the PALM scheme to find work in agriculture and construction. His dedication paid off, as he managed to save enough money to realize his dream of building a home for his family. Sadly, before he could reunite with them, Argen’s life was cut short on April 28, 2024, when he was struck and killed in a suspected hit-and-run accident while on his way to work at a poultry farm in Griffith, New South Wales. His brother, Kenneth Kuni, mournfully recounted their last conversation about the joy of the home he had built, a joy that was never fulfilled.
Argen’s untimely death highlights the inherent risks many Pacific workers face under the PALM scheme. While some experience positive conditions, the reality for many includes unsafe work environments, inadequate wages, and limited workplace rights, including difficulties in changing employers. The concerns surrounding these workers have garnered advocacy from legal experts calling for enhanced protections and rights for Pacific laborers who contribute significantly to Australia’s agricultural and food sectors.
Kenneth hopes that sharing his brother’s story will lead to improvements in workers’ conditions. “He made huge sacrifices for his family,” he said. “We must ensure workers like Argen are treated with dignity and fairness.”
This situation mirrors the experiences of other Pacific workers, as seen in similar cases reported regarding ongoing exploitation and systemic abuse faced by individuals under the PALM scheme. Christine Lewailagi, another worker from Fiji, tragically passed away while working under similar circumstances, prompting her family to seek justice and highlight the serious conditions workers endure. Together, these stories illustrate the urgent need for action to ensure safe, fair treatment for migrant workers in Australia.
The tragic tales of Argen and Christine Kuni underscore the necessity for systemic reform within the PALM program, as advocates continue to push for a better environment for all migrants aiming to build a better life for their families. Their sacrifices should not be in vain.
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