Samoan seasonal worker, 25-year-old Fua Moananu appeared in the Mildura Magistrates Court in Victoria on Thursday following a tragic minibus accident that claimed the lives of two Samoan migrant farm workers. 

Local media in Australia reported that Moananu faced charges of multiple dangerous driving offences related to the incident.

Moananu, with bandages on his left face, stood accused of two counts of dangerous driving causing death and five counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury. 

The fatal crash occurred on the Calder Highway near Carwarp, approximately 30 kilometres south of Mildura in northwest Victoria, around 7:45 am on Tuesday. Initial reports indicated that the minibus lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle, ultimately colliding with a tree.

During the proceedings, Magistrate Patrick Southey acknowledged the ongoing police investigation and expressed uncertainty about the strength of the prosecution's case regarding the charges of dangerous driving. He remarked on the perplexing circumstances surrounding the accident, noting that the road conditions were favourable with no evidence of drug or alcohol involvement.

The crash resulted in the immediate death of two passengers aged 43 and 34, while two others aged 39 and 37 remained critically injured in the hospital. 

Additionally, two passengers in their 20s sustained serious injuries, with one unlikely to survive according to state prosecution statements in court. A 40-year-old man was hospitalised in stable condition, while three other passengers in their 20s were admitted for observation.

All occupants, including Moananu, were identified as Samoan nationals. Pending further legal proceedings, Moananu was granted bail under strict conditions: surrendering his passport, refraining from driving, not leaving the Mildura region, or accessing international departure points.

The case is scheduled for a committal mention on December 4. 

The Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Va'ai, who oversees the Labour Mobility division relevant to migrant workers said they will await the legal proceedings in Australia and assess their options accordingly. 

He emphasised that the court's decision on the charges and any resulting penalties, whether served in Australia or Samoa, rests solely with the judicial system. 

Regarding the impact on the driver's eligibility for future work opportunities under the scheme, Lautimuia noted it hinges on the case's outcome. He underscored the need for a case-specific evaluation, considering the unique circumstances of each incident.