An act of love: Fijian worker becomes first to receive new PALM AUD$200, 000 insurance payout

Fijian PALM worker Mosese Soqeta Saresarevata has become the first recipient of a landmark AUD$200,000 insurance payout, an extraordinary legacy born from a simple six-dollar weekly choice made out of love for his family.

The Ministry of Employment says Saresarevata, who was deployed to Victoria in June this year to work in the meatworks industry, made a quiet but powerful decision shortly after arriving in Australia.

He chose to voluntarily opt into a simple life insurance scheme created specifically to support PALM workers facing unexpected life challenges.

For just six dollars a week, less than the cost of a cup of coffee or a packet of cigarettes in Australia, Saresarevata prioritised the future of those he loved most.

Not long after enrolling, he received the devastating news of a serious illness diagnosis.

At first, he believed there was hope for recovery.

But as further assessments were carried out, medical professionals confirmed that his illness was terminal.

In the midst of heartbreak, Saresarevata’s decision to opt into the life insurance scheme became a lifeline.

The insurance initiative, developed over nearly two years and officially launched in September, was designed to provide dignity, security and peace of mind for workers who travel long distances to support their families.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Maritino Nemani says Saresarevata’s story reflects courage, foresight and love.

Nemani says Saresarevata may never have imagined the impact of his decision, but his choice is sending a powerful message to every Fijian working under the PALM scheme.

He adds that many people often spend more on things that harm their health than on things that protect their families.

Saresarevata changed that pattern.

He encouraged all Fijian PALM workers to follow Saresarevata’s example and make decisions today that safeguard the well-being of their loved ones tomorrow, because sometimes the smallest weekly contribution can create the biggest impact.