The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has confirmed that the Ministry is aware of a case posted on Facebook regarding a former Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) female worker who passed away in June 2024. Minister Singh noted that the deceased worker, Christine Lewailagi, left Fiji to work for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria in May 2022 under the PALM scheme.
On June 17, 2024, the Ministry received an incident notification from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The report indicated that Ms. Lewailagi had been experiencing headaches a week prior and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. She was subsequently transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne for further treatment, where she underwent two surgeries for a brain tumor. Unfortunately, the report also stated that she was on life support and was unlikely to recover.
Ms. Lewailagi passed away on June 19, 2024, and her body was repatriated on July 6 for burial in Fiji. Singh expressed that the employment conditions and concerns raised on social media are being taken seriously. The Country Liaison Officer based in Victoria is actively addressing these issues to ensure the welfare of Fijian workers.
“The CLO, in collaboration with the DEWR, will verify the concerns with employers and our Fijian workers to ensure that their welfare is prioritized and that they are treated respectfully,” Singh said.
Additionally, he announced that the Employment Ministry plans to visit PALM workers in October to engage with Australian counterparts, employers, and Fijian workers. This outreach aims to discuss various challenges faced by workers, including racism, bullying, workload issues, exploitation, threats, unsafe practices, unfair termination, and forced labor.
“The Ministry will enhance cooperation with Australian authorities and employers to establish better oversight mechanisms and ensure adherence to fair labor practices,” Singh stated, emphasizing plans for regular workplace inspections and audits, alongside a strict policy against any exploitation or mistreatment.
Moreover, during the Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Suva last week, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) pledged its support in ensuring that minimum standards are upheld by approved employers.