A family in Tau Village, Nadroga, is grappling with the tragic death of their daughter, Christine Lewailagi, just weeks before their planned celebration for her father’s 50th birthday. Christine, 24, passed away in June under controversial circumstances while participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme in Melbourne, Australia. Her parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are demanding answers regarding the circumstances of her death.
“We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death,” Ms. Tabua expressed tearfully when approached by reporters. Christine had left Fiji in May 2022 to support her family financially and was employed as a slaughterhouse assistant at the Midfield Meat Group in Victoria under the PALM Scheme Visa 403. Ms. Tabua alleges that her daughter faced “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery,” common experiences among many Pacific Island workers in temporary jobs abroad.
Christine frequently called home to share her feelings of mistreatment at work. On one occasion, she described being responsible for the care of thousands of sheep alone, a task she found overwhelming. Ms. Tabua recounted that her daughter expressed frustration at being treated like a machine, asserting her humanity to her supervisors when requesting time off but was denied.
Ross Johnston, a family friend living in Australia, criticized the treatment Christine received, labeling her death a consequence of “modern-day slavery.” He noted that many workers under the PALM Scheme are afraid to voice their concerns due to lack of rights and support. Following Christine’s tragic passing, Johnston spoke to her co-workers and learned distressing details about the working conditions faced by Pacific Island workers in Australia.
On June 17, the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations in Fiji received a report from Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, indicating that Christine had been hospitalized for evaluation after experiencing headaches. She was later transferred to Austin Hospital for further assessment, undergoing two surgeries for a brain tumor. The minister was alerted to the case and stated that the ministry would be investigating the issues raised regarding working conditions under the PALM Scheme.
The Fiji Council of Social Services has highlighted the need for monitoring worker welfare in the PALM Program and emphasized the responsibility of both Australian and Fijian authorities to ensure the safety of workers. The Australian High Commission in Fiji acknowledged awareness of the allegations surrounding Christine and committed to investigating claims of mistreatment seriously.