EMPLOYMENT, Productivity and Workplace Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh says many Fijians choose not to work despite jobs being readily available nationwide.
Mr Singh told the Pacific Polytech graduation ceremony earlier this week that unemployment in Fiji was not due to lack of opportunities, but a lack of effort and commitment from jobseekers.
“If anybody in this country says they don’t have a job or they’re unemployed, it’s not because there are no jobs, it’s because they are not making an effort to find a job,” he said.
Mr Singh said employers regularly complained about workers failing to turn up to work, especially on Mondays, and this affected productivity and delayed projects.
He said this poor work ethic was one of the reasons Fiji continued to recruit workers from overseas, including the Philippines and Bangladesh.
“Why are we getting people from other countries? Because our people are not coming to work,” Mr Singh said.
He said the Government had strengthened worker protections by increasing the minimum wage to $5 an hour, reinstating wages councils and ensuring employees received their lawful benefits.
“But as workers, we also have a duty.
“If you are paid to work eight hours, then you must work eight hours.”
The minister said the labour shortage had worsened as skilled workers migrated overseas, particularly to Australia and New Zealand, making local skills training critical.
At yesterday’s ceremony, 414 students graduated, taking to 1432 the number of Pacific Polytech graduates this year.
Mr Singh praised the institution for expanding technical and vocational training nationwide, but reminded graduates that qualifications must be matched with discipline, commitment and strong work ethics.
Minister says PALM family matters beyond Govt’s reach
MINISTER for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh says he is legally limited in what action can be taken against Fijian workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme who fail to meet their family responsibilities back home.
Mr Singh said the matter fell under Australian jurisdiction, restricting his ministry’s ability to intervene directly.
“Unfortunately, by law, we are not able to do much because they are in the Australian jurisdiction,” he said.
There have been several reports since the PALM initiative began, that workers who travelled under the scheme engaged in extramarital affairs — leading to them neglecting their families in Fiji. These led to family hardship, family breakdown and child neglect.
Despite these limitations, Mr Singh said he had directed country liaison officers in Australia to engage directly with workers and encourage them to fulfil their obligations to their families in Fiji.
“Our country liaison officers visit them and ensure that their responsibility to their families is kept.”
Mr Singh said the officers worked with workers to remind them of the importance of sending money home regularly to support their families.
He said while the issue affected only a small number of workers, most PALM participants continued to act
responsibly and provide financial support to their families.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows Fijian workers to take up seasonal and longer-term employment in sectors such as horticulture, meat processing, and aged-care in Australia.
Fiji currently has about 4000 workers spread across nearly 500 locations in Australia.
To support worker welfare, Fiji has appointed four country liaisons officers in Australia who are always accessible to workers.
Fijian workers cleared of drugs
FIJIAN workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme were not involved in recent drug-related incidents in Australia, says Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh.
“Let me make it clear that the recent incident where some Fijians were involved in drugs and other illegal activities does not involve any farm worker,” he said.
He said those involved had either travelled to Australia on different visa arrangements or were born there.
Mr Singh said the ministry worked closely with Australian unions, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and relevant government departments to ensure Fijian workers met legal requirements and were treated fairly.
He says most PALM workers are law-abiding and continue to represent Fiji positively overseas.
Fiji currently has about 4000 workers employed in Australia under the PALM scheme and about 1000 in New Zealand.
Fiji has appointed four country liaison officers in Australia and one in New Zealand to monitor worker welfare and respond to grievances.
Absconders ‘lose PALM protection’
FIJIAN workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme who have absconded from approved employers and work illegally in Australia are placing their own safety at risk, says Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh.
Mr Singh said workers who left their designated workplaces and took up cash-in-hand jobs were no longer protected under the scheme.
“Once they detach themselves from the approved employers, they are not covered by insurance,” he said.
He said this left the workers vulnerable in the event of workplace accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
“If there is an accident, if they get injured or there is fatality, then there will be serious issues.”
Mr Singh said the ministry had recorded cases of workers absconding in the past and had tried to assist affected individuals where possible.
Under the PALM scheme, workers must remain with approved employers to retain legal work status, insurance coverage, and workplace protections.
Workers who abscond often take up cash-in-hand jobs, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
Mr Singh said pre-departure training for PALM workers strongly emphasised compliance with Australian laws and warned against absconding.
He said workers experiencing difficulties should contact Fiji’s country liaison officers, who work with Australian unions and government agencies to address grievances.
Fiji currently has about 4000 workers employed in Australia under the PALM scheme.
