A New South Wales coroner has referred the death of a Filipino migrant worker to the Australian Federal Police for further investigation. Deputy State Coroner Rebecca Hosking concluded that 21-year-old Jerwin Royupa was 'exploited' and exposed to 'potentially criminal' conduct during his five weeks in Australia.
Royupa died in March 2019 after jumping or falling from a van driven by his training scheme sponsor, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The coroner found that Royupa became 'increasingly fearful' of his sponsor in the days before his death. On 14 March 2019, he voluntarily exited the moving vehicle after the sponsor threatened to take him to the airport or police.
While Royupa lay unconscious on the roadside, the sponsor failed to call an ambulance immediately, disparaged him to a paramedic, and left the scene against instructions. Hosking described the sponsor's conduct as 'deplorable'. Royupa died the following day from multiple blunt force injuries.
The inquest revealed that Royupa, who arrived on a temporary subclass 407 training visa, was exclusively performing manual labour with no educational training. He worked up to 60 hours a week in excessive heat without proper clothing or sun protection. He was promised a monthly salary of $134.92 but received no payments, as the sponsor claimed wages would be paid after six months.
Hosking made six recommendations, including referring the evidence to the AFP and urging the Home Affairs Minister to review the department's role in approving training visas that may have been used for exploitation. The Department of Home Affairs expressed condolences and said it is strengthening regulations for the training visa.
