Indian-origin Fiji politician was 60. His death was reported during an official visit to Australia
Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has died in Brisbane, Australia, at the age of 60, during an official visit focused on the welfare of Fijian workers.
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Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced Singh’s death on September 12, expressing condolences to his family, friends and colleagues
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The government acknowledged his service to workers and the nation
Singh, a politician of Indian origin, was in Queensland as part of engagements under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which supports employment opportunities for Pacific island workers in Australia.
During the visit, he met Fijian workers and employers, including representatives of Australian Country Choice in Brisbane. He also visited JBS Australia, where discussions focused on worker welfare, wages and employment conditions.
Career in politics and trade unionism
Singh was a prominent figure in Fiji’s labour movement. He served as general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union and held leadership positions in the Fiji Trades Union Congress.
He entered Parliament in 2006 and returned to politics in 2022 as a National Federation Party candidate. He was subsequently appointed to the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Rabuka.
The Fiji Trades Union Congress paid tribute to Singh on September 16, describing him as a lifelong advocate for workers’ rights. The organisation said he had continued working on employment issues until his death.
His reported contributions included work on minimum wage increases, worker compensation and employment relations reforms. These achievements were highlighted by the union movement in its tribute.
Parliamentary seat to remain vacant
Fiji’s Electoral Commission said on September 15 that Singh’s parliamentary seat would remain vacant until the next general election. It cited the constitutional deadline for filling a vacancy, which had expired on June 24, 2026.
The Fiji Government said details of funeral arrangements would be announced later and asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy.
