The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has confirmed that the Ministry is aware of a case involving a former Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) worker, who passed away in June 2024.
Minister Singh noted that the worker, Christine Lewailagi, left Fiji to work for Midfield Meat Group in Victoria in May 2022 as part of the program.
On June 17, 2024, the Ministry received a notification from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) indicating that Ms. Lewailagi had experienced a severe headache a week prior and had been taken to the hospital. She was subsequently transferred to Austin Hospital in Melbourne for further evaluation, undergoing two surgeries for a brain tumor. The report indicated that she was placed on life support and was unlikely to recover.
Sadly, Ms. Lewailagi passed away on June 19, 2024, and her remains were returned to Fiji for burial on July 6.
Minister Singh expressed concern over the employment conditions and issues raised on social media, emphasizing that the Country Liaison Officer in Victoria is investigating them to ensure they are appropriately addressed.
He stated that the CLO, in collaboration with DEWR, will confirm issues with the employer and Fijian workers to safeguard the well-being and treatment of Fijian laborers involved in the scheme.
Additionally, Minister Singh announced plans for the Employment Ministry to visit PALM workers in October to engage with Australian authorities, employers, and Fijian workers regarding challenges such as racism, bullying, heavy workloads, exploitation, threats, unsafe practices, unfair termination, and forced labor.
The Ministry aims to enhance cooperation with Australian authorities and employers to establish better oversight and compliance with fair labor practices, which will include regular inspections and audits, as well as implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation or mistreatment.
Furthermore, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) has expressed its commitment to ensuring that approved employers comply with minimum standards during the Labour Mobility Stakeholder Engagement Workshop held in Suva last week.