Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka plans to address concerns regarding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting, aiming to discuss these issues with his Australian counterpart.
In an interview in Tonga, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the need to reassess the PALM scheme and the Seasonal Workers Scheme with New Zealand. The PALM scheme has faced significant criticism due to allegations of unsafe working conditions affecting Fijians, leading to a government investigation into these claims.
Notably, the death of 24-year-old Christine Lewailagi, who passed away from a brain tumor while working under the PALM scheme in June, has highlighted these concerns. Following her passing, her family revealed allegations of poor treatment, discrimination, limited access to healthcare, and threats regarding job security.
Mr. Rabuka described the situation as akin to modern slavery. He mentioned that the Minister of Employment, Agni Deo Singh, and his Permanent Secretary, Nemani Maritino, are currently in Australia to investigate the allegations further. He intends to bring this matter up with the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is set to attend the Forum.
During his visit to Tonga, Mr. Rabuka met with the Fijian community, where they voiced concerns about employment issues faced in Australia and New Zealand. Accompanying him were Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Filipo Tarakinikini, and Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
Concerns raised by the Fijian community in Tonga included reports of poor working conditions, violations of employment contracts, lack of health coverage, and high costs associated with traveling to Fiji, as Fijians face challenges in renewing passports and expensive airfare which they have requested to be reduced.