'Fijian crimes in Australia could risk PALM scheme jobs'

Recent criminal incidents in­volving several Fijians in Australia have raised con­cerns that employment opportuni­ties for thousands under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme could be at risk.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh said that while most workers behave appropriately, even a few high-profile cases could harm Fiji's reputation and future work opportunities abroad.

He clarified that one man involved in a violent attack, who assaulted a woman and stabbed two men, was not part of the PALM scheme.

"The Fijian national we have on record under the PALM scheme is a 27-year-old rugby player at the University of the South Pacific.

"We have verified that he was training yesterday and is not involved in this incident," Mr Singh said.

The ministry emphasises preparation and support for workers over­seas, including counselling, family briefings, and guidance on the pur­pose of their work: to earn, save, and improve family lives.

Measures also include engagement with the Fijian diaspora, churches in Aus­tralia, and on-ground officers who visit workers at least once a year across hundreds of locations.

Recent reports highlighted a se­ries of arrests and incidents.

Two Fijian men appeared in Bank­stown Local Court, NSW, for attempting to access 128 kilograms of co­caine, valued at over $94 million.

Another man went on a violent ram­page in Darlington, Sydney, stabbing two men and assaulting a woman after being ejected from a Melbourne Cup night out.

Video footage shows a Fijian man har­assing passengers on a moving train. In the Northern Territory, a 27-year-old was arrested for allegedly importing 70 kilograms of kava from Fiji, alongside 72 illegal vapes.

Mr Singh stressed that while these in­dividuals do not represent the wider workforce, their actions could still affect the reputation of Fijians working under PALM.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported that as of May 2025, more than 5300 Fijians were employed under PALM, with men more likely to participate than women.

Ques­tions sent to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka remain unanswered.

This week, he told Parliament the Gov­ernment spent more than $64,800 to send him, five ministers, and an assistant minister to celebrate Fiji's Independ­ence Day with the diaspora in Australia, saying the visits strengthen ties with Fi­jians living abroad.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj