Investigation underway in Australia after bruised pics of Tongan Seasonal Worker emerge

Photos of injuries and serious bruises on what appeared to be a Tongan Seasonal worker in Australia have surfaced on social media, prompting an investigating by the Pacific Islands Council Queensland (PICQ).

An investigation is underway in Australia after photos of an alleged beating surfaced. Photos/Supplied

The photos, which were shared on Facebook on Tuesday appeared to show the bruising was consistent with the man being beaten.

The photos were accompanied with a caption alleging that the incident was part of a pattern of violence kept shrouded in secrecy. There was serious allegation of threatenings and fear of reprisals from the perpetrator—especially if it is a leader of the group.

Kaniva News contacted Tongan authorities for comment.

Commenters on Facebook have identified the victim as well as the accused. Kaniva News cannot publish their identities at this stage for legal reasons.

It is understood the PICQ investigators were attempting to talk to some of the Tongan Seasonal workers who knew about the incident.

The PICQ investigators vowed to continue investigations ‘with the aim of bringing those involved to justice’, a reliable source told Kaniva News.

PICQ described itself on its website as “a non-profit community incorporated association, managed by volunteer representatives of member community groups and individuals who believe in the collective voice for the benefit of all Pacific Islanders”.

About 5,000 Tongan workers were employed across Australia and New Zealand under their respective Pacific temporary labour schemes.

Many of these workers have been absent from home for much longer than usual due to COVID-related travel restrictions, with some now in New Zealand and Australia for more than two years.

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news