A family’s plans to celebrate their father’s 50th birthday in Tau Village, Nadroga, have been overshadowed by the tragic death of their daughter, Christine Lewailagi, 24, who passed away under questionable circumstances in June. Christine was working in Melbourne, Australia, under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Her parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are seeking clarity and justice regarding their daughter’s unexpected demise. “We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death,” Ms. Tabua said, visibly emotional when approached for comments.
Christine had left Fiji in May 2022 to support her family financially. Employed as a slaughterhouse assistant for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria, she worked under the PALM Visa 403. Ms. Tabua expressed concerns that her daughter experienced “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery,” a plight many Pacific Island workers face in seasonal employment.
According to her mother, Christine frequently reported feelings of mistreatment while working in Australia. “She would call every day to express how she felt she had been mistreated,” Ms. Tabua recalled. Christine often mentioned the overwhelming workload, tasked with caring for 5,000 to 6,000 sheep alone, which she described as an impossible challenge.
Additionally, she recounted an incident where Christine felt compelled to speak up to her supervisor, asserting her need for a break, despite feeling pressured to work continuously.
Ross Johnston, a close family friend from Australia, characterized Christine’s death as indicative of “modern-day slavery.” He noted that many workers in similar positions fear speaking out due to lack of rights. “Most of the workers under the scheme are too afraid to speak out for themselves because they have no rights,” he stated, highlighting that many Fijian workers echoed Christine’s struggles.
On June 17, the Ministry of Employment in Fiji received a report from Australia indicating that Christine suffered from a headache a week prior to her hospitalization. She was later transferred to Austin Hospital for evaluations and underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor. Her condition was critical, and she was placed on life support.
Minister of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh mentioned that the ministry is taking these employment conditions seriously and plans to investigate the issues raised. He noted that a visit to meet with PALM workers in Australia is planned for October to discuss concerns such as racism, bullying, and unsafe practices.
Christine’s death certificate cited meningioma, a type of brain tumor, as the cause of her passing.
Vani Catanasiga, executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, pointed out the failure of authorities in both Fiji and Australia to protect workers in the PALM scheme. She emphasized the responsibility of Australia, a global leader in human rights, to safeguard Fijian workers who contribute to its economy but often face exploitation upon arrival.
The Australian High Commission in Fiji acknowledged the allegations concerning Christine and assured that they would take them seriously and initiate prompt investigations.