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. Christine passed away in June under controversial circumstances while working in Melbourne, Australia, as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. Her parents, Sairusi Nadiligo and Sainimere Tabua, are searching for answers regarding the events that led to her untimely death.
Ms. Tabua expressed her grief and determination, stating, “We are searching for answers and seeking justice for her death.” Christine had moved to Australia in May 2022 to provide financial support for her family, working as a slaughterhouse assistant for Midfield Meat Group under the PALM Visa 403. Ms. Tabua claimed her daughter experienced “systemic abuse and modern-day slavery,” a plight faced by many Pacific Islanders in seasonal work.
Christine regularly communicated her struggles, reporting mistreatment at her job. She recounted the overwhelming demands of her role, often having to manage between 5,000 to 6,000 sheep on her own and facing harsh treatment from her employer. Ms. Tabua noted that her daughter often felt unsafe in her work environment, and reported an incident where she was denied time off, which led her to assert that she was “not a machine.”
A family friend from Australia, Ross Johnston, described Christine’s death as indicative of “modern-day slavery,” emphasizing that many workers fear retaliation for speaking out about their treatment. Johnston, who regarded Christine as a granddaughter, shared that she seldom voiced her difficulties, likely out of fear of losing the income that supported her family.
Christine’s tragic passing was reported to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations in Fiji on June 17. Prior to her death, she had been hospitalized for a week and underwent surgery for a brain tumor. Minister Agni Deo Singh acknowledged the concerns raised on social media and stated that the ministry is investigating the conditions faced by workers under the PALM scheme.
Christine’s death certificate indicated that she died from meningioma, a type of tumor affecting the protective layers of the brain. Vani Catanasiga, executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, called for better oversight of the welfare of workers within the PALM initiative. She criticized authorities in both Australia and Fiji for failing to safeguard the rights of workers.
The Australian High Commission in Fiji confirmed that they are aware of the allegations surrounding Ms. Lewailagi’s case and pledged to conduct prompt investigations into worker mistreatment.