Tragedy struck in Western Australia’s South West region when a car accident resulted in the deaths of two men and left a third individual in critical condition. The incident occurred on Friday night near Manjimup, located approximately 300 kilometers south of Perth.
The victims, all farm laborers from the Pacific Islands, were traveling along South Western Highway in the vicinity of Middlesex when their vehicle veered off the road. Western Australia Police reported that emergency services were alerted shortly after 10 PM.
A police representative stated, “Unfortunately, the driver and one passenger could not be rescued.” The third person in the vehicle was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital due to life-threatening injuries and was later transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital for further treatment.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. It has been revealed that all three men were part of the federal Pacific Island Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which facilitates employment opportunities for workers from Timor-Leste and nine Pacific Island nations in Australia.
Donelle Buegge, President of the Shire of Manjimup, expressed the community’s sorrow over this devastating event. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, which has taken the lives of a couple of our local workers,” she remarked. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and colleagues. It is a tight-knit community, and many locals work closely with these individuals.”
As of February 2026, approximately 32,000 PALM workers were registered in the program, with around 2,600 based in Western Australia. Ms. Buegge highlighted the vital role these workers play in the region’s agricultural sector, noting that over 400 are employed during peak harvest seasons. “Without their contributions, we would struggle to harvest local produce such as avocados, strawberries, and blueberries,” she added.
The recent fatalities have raised concerns regarding the safety of PALM workers in Australia, especially given that in 2024 it was reported that these workers were six times more likely to suffer fatal accidents on the roads. Ms. Buegge reassured the public that local contractors are actively engaged in ensuring that PALM workers are well-informed about road safety conditions. “The contractors collaborating with these workers are very mindful of our traffic circumstances,” she stated. “I am confident that we are providing them with support during this difficult time, particularly concerning their mental health moving forward.”
