PM to Discuss PALM Scheme at PIF

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will use the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting as a platform to speak to his Australian counterpart about the controversial Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM).

Speaking to this masthead in Tonga yesterday, Mr Rabuka said, “It’s time we relook at the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme and the Seasonal Workers Scheme with New Zealand”.

The PALM scheme has come under heavy scrutiny following widespread allegations of harsh and unsafe working practices involving Fijians, prompting an investigation by the Government into the matter.

In June this year, Christine Lewailagi, 24, died of brain tumour in June while working under the PALM scheme in Australia.

Following her death, her next of kin in Australia revealed several allegations of poor treatment and racism, health care and sick leave restrictions, and threats of workers losing their jobs.

He labelled the scheme as a form of modern day slavery.

“The minister (Agni Deo Singh) and his Permanent Secretary (Nemani Maritino) have been in Australia the past few days to find out the truth about the allegations,” Mr Rabuka said.

“It is an issue that should be dealt with at the ministerial level. If the Prime Minister is here, I will raise it with him.”

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to join the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting tomorrow.

Mr Rabuka was hosted by the Fijian community in Tonga on Saturday where concerns on employment, bordering around the issues faced in Australia and New Zealand, were also raised.

Also present were Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations Filipo Tarakinikini, and Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.

Tonga Fijian community concerns: 

•  Fijians duped and lured to work in Tonga face poor working conditions and violation of employment contract;
•  No health scheme – Foreigners pay about $2000 pa’anga (FJ$1871.93) for maternity fees; and
•  Process of renewal of passport for Fijians who find it difficult to travel to Fiji because of high airfares. Fijians in Tonga pay 1200 pa’anga (FJ$1,123.16) for one way airfare on Fiji Airways. A cost Fijians have asked to be reduced.

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