The Government is considering reviewing safety measures and orientation programmes following the increasing number of road fatalities involving Samoan seasonal workers overseas.  

The Minister of Finance, responsible for the Labour Mobility scheme, responded to queries from this newspaper on Friday, expressing grave concerns and announcing plans to review orientation programs for overseas schemes.

Minister Lautimuia Uelese Va'ai confirmed that two Samoans tragically lost their lives in a recent car incident in Victoria, Australia. 

These individuals were recruited through the Poutasi Development Trust, chaired by Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale. 

He said they had asked Tuatagaloa to officially notify the families of the two deceased. 

The Minister conveyed condolences to the families on behalf of the government and assured ongoing support through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to coordinate with Australian authorities for investigations and repatriation efforts.

Lautimuia stressed the importance of updating terms and conditions for contracts and orientation programs under the Recognised Seasonal Employment scheme.

He emphasised the necessity for Samoans to be adequately trained and familiarised with the work environment, especially in Australia, where road conditions and driving laws differ significantly from Samoa.

The two men lost their lives earlier this week, when the minibus they were in overturned in Carwarp, Victoria. 

According to police reports cited by Sky News, the accident occurred during an attempted overtaking maneuver on the Calder Highway as they were rushing to work. 

Last November, another tragic incident claimed the lives of four young Samoan men in Mansfield, Victoria. Their bodies were repatriated to Samoa a month later for burial.

Lautimuia said they will be looking at taking proactive steps which includes collaboration with Australian employers to implement comprehensive orientation programs that better prepare Samoan workers for the challenges they may face abroad, particularly on unfamiliar roads.