Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is set to address the Australian Prime Minister regarding the contentious Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) during the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. In a conversation in Tonga, Rabuka emphasized the need to reevaluate both the PALM scheme and the Seasonal Workers Scheme in New Zealand.
The PALM scheme has faced significant criticism following numerous claims of harsh and unsafe working conditions affecting Fijian workers, leading the government to initiate an investigation. The situation escalated in June when Christine Lewailagi, a 24-year-old working under the PALM scheme in Australia, died from a brain tumor. Her relatives in Australia have made serious allegations of poor treatment, including instances of racism, inadequate healthcare, restricted sick leave, and threats concerning job security. Rabuka described the scheme as akin to modern-day slavery.
He mentioned that Minister Agni Deo Singh and Permanent Secretary Nemani Maritino have been in Australia recently to investigate these allegations, stating that it is an issue deserving of ministerial attention. Rabuka intends to bring it up with the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is anticipated to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
During a gathering with the Fijian community in Tonga, various concerns were voiced regarding employment challenges faced by Fijians in Australia and New Zealand. Present at the event were relevant officials, including the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka.
The Fijian community in Tonga raised additional issues, including:
– Fijians being misled and facing poor working conditions that breach employment contracts.
– Lack of a health scheme, with foreign workers reportedly paying around 2000 paʻanga (approximately FJ$1871.93) for maternity services.
– Difficulties in renewing passports and the high costs associated with travel to Fiji, with one-way airfare on Fiji Airways costing Fijians 1200 paʻanga (FJ$1,123.16), a price that many are urging to be reduced.