The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, confirmed awareness of a recent Facebook post regarding the death of a former Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) female worker. The worker had traveled from Fiji to begin employment with Midfield Meat Group in Victoria in May 2022.
Mr. Singh reported that on June 17, 2024, the ministry received notification of the incident from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The report indicated that the worker had complained of headaches a week prior and was hospitalized for evaluation. She was subsequently transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne over the weekend, where she underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor.
The report further stated that she was placed on life support and did not show signs of recovery, which Mr. Singh described as a tragic situation. Unfortunately, she passed away on June 19, 2024, and her remains were returned to Fiji for burial on July 6.
The Minister emphasized that concerns regarding employment conditions raised on social media were being examined closely by the Country Liaison Officer in Victoria to ensure these issues are properly addressed. The CLO will collaborate with DEWR to validate the claims made by the employer and to safeguard the welfare of Fijian workers in the program.
Mr. Singh announced plans for the Fiji Government to visit PALM workers in October to engage with Australian counterparts, employers, and Fijian workers about issues such as racism, bullying, workloads, exploitation, threats, unsafe practices, unfair dismissals, and forced labor.
He noted the ministry’s commitment to collaborate more effectively with Australian authorities and employers to enhance monitoring mechanisms and improve compliance with labor standards. This will include regular workplace inspections, audits, and a strict policy against any form of exploitation or mistreatment.
Mr. Singh also highlighted the support from the Australian Workers Union (AWU) during the recent Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Suva, which assured adherence to minimum standards by approved employers.
As part of the Vuvale partnership agreement, the Employment Ministry will continue fostering collaboration through ongoing discussions with Australian entities, specifically the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and DEWR, to address prevailing issues within the PALM program.