A family in Tau Village, Nadroga, is mourning the loss of their daughter, Christine Lewailagi, whose death has cast a shadow over plans to celebrate their father’s 50th birthday. Christine, 24, passed away under controversial circumstances in June while working in Melbourne, Australia, under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Her parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding her death. “We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death,” Ms. Tabua said with tears in her eyes when approached for comment.
Christine left Fiji in May 2022 to support her family financially. She was employed as a slaughterhouse assistant by Midfield Meat Group in Victoria, working under a PALM Visa 403. Ms. Tabua alleged that her daughter experienced “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery” during her employment, a sentiment echoed by many Pacific Island workers in similar circumstances.
“She would call every day to express how she felt mistreated,” Ms. Tabua shared, recounting her daughter’s reports of being tasked with caring for 5,000 to 6,000 sheep alone. “She worked and lived in a foreign land where her right to safety was not recognized. One day, she told me she spoke up to her supervisor, asking for a break, stating she was not a machine,” she added.
Ross Johnston, a close family friend from Australia, claimed that Christine’s death exemplified a larger issue of modern-day slavery. “Most workers under the scheme are too afraid to speak out for themselves because they have no rights,” he said, noting that many workers reached out to him after he shared Christine’s story on social media, revealing they faced similar mistreatment.
Johnston, who considered Christine his granddaughter, revealed that during visits, she would rarely open up about her struggles, possibly out of fear of jeopardizing her position. He was shocked by the accounts of her co-workers and the overall treatment of Pacific Island workers in Australia.
The investigation into Christine’s death began on June 17, after the Ministry of Employment in Fiji received a report from Australia’s Department of Employment regarding her condition. She had been hospitalized for evaluation and underwent surgery for a brain tumor.
Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh stated that concerns raised on social media are being taken seriously, and efforts would be made to address the highlighted issues such as racism, bullying, and unsafe working conditions.
Christine’s death certificate indicated she succumbed to meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Vani Catanasiga, the executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, criticized the failure of authorities to ensure the welfare of workers under the Vuvale partnership agreement between Fiji and Australia.
The Australian High Commission confirmed awareness of the allegations concerning Christine and stated that the government would thoroughly investigate claims of worker mistreatment.