Concerns have been raised regarding misconduct by some Fijian seasonal workers in Australia, which has implications for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and Fiji’s reputation. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed these issues, clarifying that the majority of problems are attributed to a minority of workers rather than the Australian employers or government. He emphasized the responsibility of the workers and stated, “As Prime Minister, it has been embarrassing. Most of the problems we hear are problems caused by our workers in Australia not by the employers or not by the Australian government, and that is something that we have to sort out here before they are deployed.”
Rabuka has directed the Employment Ministry to tackle these issues before any further deployments occur, noting that negative actions by a few should not overshadow the successful contributions of responsible workers in the program. To gather insights and discuss the concerns directly, Rabuka plans to meet with Australian officials during the Fiji Day weekend.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the PALM scheme as critical for Pacific economic development and reiterated Australia’s commitment to improving worker conditions. Marles highlighted that the Australian government is closely monitoring the experiences of workers and working in collaboration with Fiji to address any issues.
The initiative not only provides financial support to workers but also aids in the economic growth of Fiji and strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Rabuka, alongside Australian officials, is dedicated to ensuring the program remains fair, effective, and sustainable, emphasizing the positive contributions of the PALM program while addressing any misconduct to maintain the integrity and reputation of Fijian workers abroad.
In a broader context, the Fijian government has been taking proactive steps to safeguard its workers. Initiatives such as appointing liaison officers and conducting regular audits have been implemented. These measures have shown promise in addressing grievances, as approximately 6,669 Fijian workers have participated in the program, and proactive engagement has led to a hopeful outlook for improving labor conditions within the framework of international migration.
As both Fiji and Australia continue to evaluate the PALM scheme, there is a shared goal of ensuring that it supports economic opportunities while maintaining the dignity and welfare of workers involved.