Exploitation and Criminality Alleged in Death of Filipino Worker in New South Wales
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The death of a 21-year-old Filipino agricultural worker in southern New South Wales has prompted a referral to the Australian Federal Police for investigation, following a coronial inquest that uncovered evidence of exploitation and perhaps criminal behavior. Deputy State Coroner Rebecca Hosking determined jerwin Royupa was subjected to unacceptable working conditions during his short time in regional NSW, raising serious questions about the oversight of Australia’s temporary visa programs and the protection of migrant workers.
Background: Visa-Based Occupational Training
Mr. Royupa, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the philippines, traveled to Australia with the hope of gaining practical experience in his field and supporting his family. However, the inquest revealed a starkly different reality. According to Magistrate hosking, Mr. Royupa was “exploited” during the five weeks he was employed at a southern NSW winery.
A Promise of Possibility, A Reality of Exploitation
The court heard that Mr. Royupa was owed over 200 hours of unpaid wages. His compensation was described as “wholly inadequate,” with a monthly payment of just $134.92 for working 10-hour days, six days a week, and his sponsor initially withholding payment for the first six months of employment. “I find that [in] the five week period, Jerwin was exploited,” Magistrate Hosking stated.
Beyond the wage theft, the inquest detailed unsafe working conditions.Mr. Royupa was allegedly “required to work outside in excessive heat” without access to basic protections like sunscreen or appropriate clothing. This, coupled with the financial exploitation, lead Magistrate hosking to conclude that Mr. Royupa was exposed to circumstances that were “potentially criminal.”
A Growing Fear and a Tragic Exit
in the days leading up to his death, Mr. Royupa reportedly became “fearful” of an individual identified as “operator one.” Magistrate hosking stated that Mr. Royupa felt threatened when “operator one” suggested taking him to either the airport or the police station before he ultimately exited a moving vehicle, resulting in the fatal injuries.
The circumstances surrounding his exit from the vehicle remain under investigation.
Calls for Systemic Change
Following the inquest findings,Magistrate Hosking issued six recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Crucially, the transcript of the inquest has been referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for “further investigations.”
The coroner also recommended a comprehensive internal review by the Minister of Home Affairs, focusing on lessons learned from this case.A formal review of the Department of Home Affairs’ role in approving subclass 407 training visas – including scrutiny of pay, employment conditions, monitoring, and support for visa holders – was also proposed.
Further recommendations included mandatory modern slavery training for NSW Police officers operating in “high risk areas” and collaboration between the NSW Police Commissioner and the state’s anti-slavery commissioner.
A Sister’s Grief and a Plea for Justice
Mr. Royupa’s sister, Jessa Joy, traveled from the Philippines to Sydney to hear the inquest findings. “Six years ago my little brother Jerwin left our family home in the Philippines with hopes and dreams in his heart,” Ms. Joy said. “He came to Australia to learn new skills in his chosen profession of agriculture. Jerwin wanted to use these skills to support his parents.”
Her voice filled with sorrow,Ms. Joy added, “We all thought Jerwin would be safe in Australia. He was not.” Her statement underscores the vulnerability of migrant workers and the devastating consequences of exploitation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust oversight of Australia’s temporary visa programs and a commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all workers, regardless of their origin. The ongoing investigations by the AFP and the proposed departmental reviews represent a critical step towards ensuring that no other worker suffers a similar fate.
