The Filipino family at the centre of a landmark coronial inquest have thanked the Sydney Archdiocese for the support they received throughout their ordeal. Source: ACAN.
Jerwin Royupa, 21, was recruited to work in rural New South Wales in 2019 by operators of a sham training program. He died from injuries sustained after he exited a moving vehicle driven by his employer, only five weeks after his arrival.
In delivering her findings on Friday, NSW Deputy Coroner Rebecca Hosking referred the brief of evidence from the inquest to the Australian Federal Police, whose responsibility it is to investigate modern slavery offences under the Australian Criminal Code.
The inquest is believed to be the first to consider concerns of forced labour since the introduction of modern slavery crimes in 2013.
Addressing the media outside the NSW Coroners Court after the findings were delivered, Jerwin’s sister, Jessa Royupa, thanked the Domus 8.7 Modern Slavery Remediation Service, which is an agency of the Sydney Archdiocese.
Ms Royupa said the Domus team had been with her family from the beginning.
“Thank for your compassionate hearts, your care and your leadership in advocating for the most vulnerable. Thank you for bringing hope to us when we needed it most,” Ms Royupa said.
Domus 8.7 lived experience lead Moe Turaga hailed the inquest as a landmark in Australia’s response to forced labour, a form of modern slavery.
“Our hearts go out to the Royupa family. They have fought bravely for this inquest, and they have been waiting for answers about Jerwin’s death for such a long time,” Mr Turaga said.
“Despite a thorough inquest, many of their questions remain unanswered, due to investigative failures that have been highlighted by the coroner.”
Mr Turaga said the inquest had exposed a shameful lack of safeguards in Australia against forced labour. He called for the urgent strengthening of Australia’s modern slavery laws.
“The Coroner’s findings reveal the failure of the Department of Home Affairs to perform basic due diligence checks on a visa sponsor, which put Jerwin in a situation where he was isolated, afraid and didn’t know who to call for help.”
“The tragedy of Jerwin’s death needs to be a turning point. Government agencies dealing with migrant workers must learn the lessons of this inquest.”
FULL STORY
Filipino family thanks Church for support through landmark inquest (ACAN)
RELATED COVERAGE
Coroner refers exploited migrant worker’s death to federal police (SBS News)
Exploited worker’s death sparks anti-slavery calls (Canberra Times)
Inquest findings handed down following death of Jerwin Royupa, 21, at NSW winery (News.com.au)
