Agni Deo Singh, the Minister of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, has addressed the situation concerning a former employee of Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) who tragically passed away in June 2024, a matter which has gained attention on social media.
Minister Singh confirmed that Christine Lewailagi, the deceased, departed Fiji in May 2022 to join the Midfield Meat Group in Victoria under the PALM program. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) informed the Ministry about her condition on June 17, 2024, noting that Ms. Lewailagi had been hospitalized a week earlier for headaches.
Following her hospitalization, she was transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne for further evaluation, where she underwent two surgeries for brain tumors. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, and she was placed on life support without any prospects for full recovery. Ms. Lewailagi sadly passed away on June 19, 2024, with her remains returned to Fiji for burial on July 6.
Minister Singh highlighted that the Country Liaison Officer in Victoria is actively monitoring the issues raised on social media concerning job conditions and will take necessary actions to address these challenges. He assured that the CLO and DEWR aim to protect the welfare of Fijian workers involved in the program and ensure they are treated properly.
The Fijian government plans to visit PALM workers in October to discuss critical issues they face, including racism, bullying, workloads, exploitation, threats, unsafe work practices, unfair dismissals, and forced labor. Meetings will also be held with Australian counterparts, employers, and Fijian workers involved in the program.
Moreover, the Ministry intends to collaborate more closely with businesses and Australian authorities to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with fair labor practices. This effort will include routine audits and inspections and a strict policy against any form of abuse or exploitation.
At a recent Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Suva, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) committed to ensuring that certified companies meet minimum standards.
In alignment with the Vuvale collaboration agreement, the Employment Ministry will continue to engage with the relevant Australian authorities, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Environment and Resources (DERR), to address ongoing issues related to the PALM program.