Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka plans to address the contentious Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. Speaking from Tonga, Rabuka emphasized the need to reevaluate both the PALM scheme and the Seasonal Workers Scheme with New Zealand.
The PALM scheme has faced intense criticism due to allegations of harsh working conditions for Fijians, which has led to a government investigation. Recently, a tragic incident occurred when 24-year-old Christine Lewailagi passed away from a brain tumor while participating in the PALM scheme in Australia. Her family has voiced serious concerns regarding her treatment, including racism, healthcare limitations, sick leave restrictions, and job loss threats, with Rabuka condemning the scheme as a form of modern slavery.
Rabuka stated that the Minister of Employment and his Permanent Secretary have been in Australia to investigate these claims. He indicated that the matter requires discussion at the ministerial level and intends to bring it up with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is set to participate in the upcoming forum.
During his visit, Rabuka met with the Fijian community in Tonga, where several employment issues concerning opportunities in Australia and New Zealand were discussed. The gathering included key officials such as the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, and Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Filipo Tarakinikini.
Concerns raised by the Fijian community in Tonga included the exploitation of Fijians lured to work under poor conditions and violations of employment agreements. They highlighted the absence of a health scheme, with foreign workers being charged high maternity fees, and difficulties in renewing passports due to exorbitant airfares hindering travel back to Fiji.