The Uniting Church in Australia is stepping up its support for Fijian seasonal workers who are struggling with the high cost of living in Australia, highlighting a coordinated effort between churches in Australia and Fiji and ongoing engagement with Australian authorities.
In Suva, the Reverend Charissa Suli, who attended the Methodist Church in Fiji conference, said she has repeatedly raised the issue with the Methodist Church’s leadership, including President Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou. The Methodist Church’s general secretary, Reverend Dr Jolami Lasawa, confirmed that they have also met with Australian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss the situation facing these workers.
Our president has met with the Prime Minister and raised the challenges faced by our members who are seasonal workers in Australia, Lasawa said. We have received reports from the Uniting Church in Australia and are exploring ways to care for our members.
Suli noted that she has reached out to the Australian Government to urge a review of the seasonal workers programs. Many Fijian families rely on these workers, and she stressed that life in Australia remains expensive. The church aims to provide pastoral support and, where possible, practical help such as financial aid and food, often mobilized by local members.
She added that if the seasonal workers are affected, their families back in Fiji feel the impact as well, which is why the dialogue now includes other Pacific Islands and a focus on identifying the best ways to assist. “We are working together as the Uniting Church to find a path forward,” she said, and emphasized ongoing conversations with Australian authorities to address these issues.
Context from related community coverage shows a broader pattern of engagement with the Methodist Church in Australia. Around 40 Fijian attendees participated in the recent conference, including seasonal workers who had secured new contracts extending their stay in Australia for several more years. Leaders from Griffith noted that these workers have integrated into local church branches and have been active in community life, with many expressing gratitude for the support and the sense of belonging the church provides.
The convergence of faith-based care with government dialogue reflects a growing commitment to the welfare of workers under Australia’s Pacific labour mobility programs. Advocates say the aim is to balance economic opportunities with family stability and social well-being, and to ensure that workers and their communities are supported both in Australia and back home in Fiji.
Overall, the story underscores the practical role of churches in safeguarding migrant workers’ welfare and highlights ongoing efforts to review and strengthen policies governing seasonal work programs, with a hopeful outlook for improved supports and stronger cross-border cooperation.
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