AGP Executive Report

Fiji Sports Funding Push: The Fiji National Sports Commission is asking Government to lift its budget from $13m to a submission totalling $30m for 2026-27, including a High Performance Unit, disability sports coordination, and Team Fiji support for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. Justice Upgrade in Cakaudrove: The Judicial Department plans a new Magistrates Court facility in Korotasere to cut costly travel to Savusavu and speed up responses in the Natewa-Korotasere corridor, including DVRO matters. Health Warning on Drug Spillover: Security and health experts say Fiji’s HIV crisis and meth traces in wastewater across the region are “warning signs” that drug and disease risks are spreading to Tonga, Solomon Islands and beyond. Fiji Rugby Development Drive: FRU chairman John Sanday launched three initiatives focused on player welfare, including education, medical support and transition programmes, with special emphasis on women’s rugby. EU Seafood Rules Training: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Pacific trade officials met in Suva to shape the region’s trade agenda, while Forum foreign ministers endorsed a regional response mechanism for Middle East-linked economic and security risks. Nasinu Waste Plan: Nasinu Town Council launched the Return and Earn initiative to reduce litter and pay residents for eligible bottles and cans.

PALM Worker Protections: Australia’s employment department says it’s aware of reports of disengaged Fijian workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, noting disengaged workers lose program protections and urging people to use the 24/7 support line. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from September 22, twice weekly, boosting tourism and links for Pacific agencies. Climate Finance Push: Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya tells the Global Environment Facility Assembly that climate funding for small island states must be faster, simpler and more flexible as risks intensify. Quad Port Doubts: Analysts question Quad’s proposed Fiji port project after foreign ministers agreed to pursue port infrastructure, with concerns about differing priorities. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva train on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening freezing and traceability. Suva Court Case: Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Qiliho plead not guilty to alleged inciting mutiny, with a pre-trial conference set. Local Waste Drive: Nasinu Town Council launches Return and Earn to cut landfill pressure by paying residents for recyclable bottles and cans. Fuel Pressure on Transport: Fiji taxi and bus operators renew calls for relief as fuel costs squeeze earnings and subsidy access. Trade Agenda in Suva: Pacific trade officials meet to shape the region’s trade priorities, including labour mobility principles and regional trade cooperation.

Vuda Waste-to-Energy Blocked: Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected the EIA for The Next Generation Holdings’ proposed energy-from-waste plant and private port at Vuda Point, citing unresolved risks on scale, imported waste, hazardous ash, water and public health, plus road/port, tourism, social and economic impacts; Appeal Deadline: TNG has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal, with the matter potentially going to the High Court, while the company says it is reviewing next steps; Climate Funding Push: Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji and the Pacific must have a seat at the table at the GEF Assembly so vulnerable communities aren’t overlooked in climate finance decisions; Electoral Reform Timing: Dialogue Fiji warns that changing Fiji’s electoral system during the constitutional review close to the election could undermine integrity and public confidence, urging electoral stability; Fuel Hits Delivery: Government warns rising fuel prices are already affecting rural project delivery, with some borehole works likely reduced as operating costs rise; Regional Security & Trade: Pacific customs leaders meet in Natadola as Fiji warns the Pacific is shifting from a drug transit route to a destination, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and frontline capacity; QUAD Infrastructure: A new Quad port infrastructure project is flagged for Fiji as ministers roll out maritime surveillance, critical minerals and energy security initiatives.

Indo-Pacific Strategy: Quad foreign ministers met in New Delhi and backed new security and infrastructure moves, including maritime surveillance, critical minerals, energy security, and a Fiji port project under “Ports of the Future.” Waste & Public Health: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected an Australian billionaire’s Vuda waste-to-energy and private port plan, citing unresolved EIA gaps, imported waste, hazardous ash risks, and public health concerns. Constitution Review: Nawaka leaders urged the Constitution Review Commission to restore constituency-based voting and strengthen safeguards for iTaukei rights and land, including how minerals are governed. Online Safety & AI: University of Fiji called for a review of the Online Safety Act, warning AI use is hard to detect and asking for clearer rules. Public Health Law: Suva City Council pushed for a coordinated public health framework as Parliament considers amendments, warning “public health” must be clearly defined. Cost Pressures: PM Rabuka said civil servants pay cuts are not decided, while bus operators face a fuel-driven cash crunch and government moves to release bus subsidy payments. Diplomacy in Suva: Israel opened its embassy in Fiji, with Rabuka saying it supports climate resilience and development tech, as protests continued outside.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Israel’s new Suva embassy marks a “golden era,” while also stressing Fiji won’t be militarily involved in Israel’s conflicts; protesters picketed the opening. Fiji Justice: The ODPP rejected claims of delays in Fiji’s 2.6-tonne cocaine case, saying six months is reasonable for a complex, cross-border investigation. Civil Service Costs: Rabuka said further pay cuts for civil servants are not ruled out to cushion fuel shocks, but any move depends on Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel’s calculations. Constitution Review: A Sigatoka resident urged raising Fiji’s marriage age to 21 for men and 20 for women, arguing 18 is too young. Public Health Law: Opposition MPs warned a proposed Public Health Amendment Bill could penalise informal settlement residents who lack sewerage and drainage. PALM Worker Welfare: Fiji urged PALM workers not to disengage from approved jobs after viral reports of a worker living rough in Sydney. Regional Security Watch: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact, citing lack of access to the text until just before his Australia trip.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka marked the opening of Israel’s new Suva embassy with praise for a “golden era,” while Israel FM Gideon Sa’ar said the move will deepen ties across development and people-to-people links. Regional Security Lines: Rabuka stressed Fiji will not be “militarily involved” in Israel-related conflicts, as protesters gathered near the embassy opening. Drug Case in Court: Fiji’s ODPP rejected claims of delays in the 2.6-tonne cocaine case, saying the six-month timeline is reasonable for a complex, international investigation. Public Health & Informal Settlements: MPs warned the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill could burden informal settlement residents with penalties despite lacking sewerage and drainage, while ministries sought clearer definitions like “obstruction.” Parliament & Civil Service: Committees urged stronger whistleblower protections and better communication on ethnicity perceptions in civil service hiring. Elections & Parties: A new Liberation of Fiji Party submitted for registration, while We Unite Fiji and the Next Generation Party continue grassroots election groundwork. Health Funding Push: Diabetes Fiji called for at least $1m direct government funding ahead of the 2026–27 budget. Transport & Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 Sept 2026, adding 10,000+ seats annually.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Fiji’s PM Rabuka and Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar opened Israel’s permanent embassy in Suva, signing deals on national security cooperation and diplomatic training, while protests outside the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre drew police presence and renewed debate over Gaza and Fiji’s “region of peace” stance. Health & HIV Funding: Fiji’s Health Ministry is seeking more budget and donor support to strengthen its response to a growing HIV crisis, including upgrades to Colonial War Memorial Hospital, digital health systems and workforce development. Climate Commitments: Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji has submitted its third NDC under the Paris Agreement, calling it a roadmap for emissions cuts and resilience, but stressing targets need faster tech and partnerships. Local Economy & Agriculture: In Ra, a farmer received a tractor and disc harrow through the iTaukei Business Support Fund to boost productivity and income. Public Health Reform: Fiji is moving to overhaul a 90-year-old public health law via a Public Health Amendment Bill, aiming to modernize responses to emerging diseases and improve rural service delivery. Fuel Pressure on Transport: Savusavu taxi operators say record fuel prices are forcing more short trips as long-distance fares become unaffordable. Government Capacity Building: Fiji officials trained with satellite data tools to monitor land and ecosystem changes for better climate resilience planning. Trade & Standards: Fiji, with Standards Australia, is advancing a national standards framework to support market access and economic growth.

Israel-Fiji Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar opened Israel’s new Suva embassy with PM Sitiveni Rabuka calling it a “golden era,” signing national security cooperation and diplomatic training agreements as critics also plan protests. Quad Geopolitics: The Quad’s focus shifted from China to maritime security and energy stability, with Rubio urging deeper cooperation on energy and resilient supply chains. Constitution Review: In Navua and Serua consultations, submissions pushed for constitutional changes including restoring Fiji’s Senate, protecting iTaukei identity in the Constitution, and reconsidering State ownership of minerals. Public Health Law: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill would remove a near-century village enforcement exemption, aiming faster outbreak response and modernised powers. Fuel and Cost of Living Politics: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu attacked government handling of fuel relief and urged VAT cuts on fuel amid rising prices. Courts and Rights: A High Court case raised interpreter access issues for a Hungarian drug accused, while MP Marau’s conversion case was adjourned over medical status. Health and Development: Satellite training helps ministries monitor land changes; schools are urged to lead the fight against NCDs; youth climate talanoa sessions gear up for COP31. Trade and Standards: Fiji moves to strengthen standards development for market access, while export plans stress consistent local supply. Local Governance and Services: Villages may lose public health exemptions; teachers’ union seeks higher rural transport assistance; aviation upgrades target Labasa remote monitoring.

Constitution Review: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission has been told to reconsider State ownership of minerals found beneath iTaukei land, with landowners arguing they should control both land and resources. Fuel Relief Pressure: Fuel prices are still climbing across the region, with Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands running on its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowing 5,000 litres from a police patrol boat while restricting power use. Diplomacy in Suva: Israel’s embassy in Suva is set to reopen after 36 years, with senior meetings expected during the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. National Security Budget: Fiji’s 2026–2027 budget submission flags a stronger security push, including a National Security Council and a proposed National Intelligence Agency to tackle transnational crime. Election Politics: Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube is calling for leadership change on a Northern tour, promising better roads, healthcare, water and housing if elected. Co-Leadership in Sustainability: Waste Recyclers Fiji and the Pacific Recycling Foundation have promoted Aliti Cautabua as co-lead of the finance team under a shared-responsibility leadership model.

Constitutional Showdown: PM Sitiveni Rabuka has asked the Court of Appeal to pause a High Court ruling over disputes on the powers of Fiji’s top offices, with the matter set for June 8. Fuel Cost Politics: People’s Alliance Party president Ratu Josefa Dimuri says Government isn’t to blame for fuel price hikes, pointing to global conflict pressures, while Dialogue Fiji urges a temporary fuel duty cut citing rising tax take. National Security Budget: Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua says the 2026–2027 Budget will prioritise national security reforms, including a National Security Council and a proposed National Intelligence Agency. Border & Travel Law: The Passport Amendment Bill 2026 moves to tougher penalties and faster temporary travel documents for Fijians overseas, alongside broader travel document coverage. Drugs & Accountability: Rabuka confirms all 37 Government MPs who took part in voluntary drug testing returned negative results. Elections Roll: The Elections Office says the voter register is continuously updated, with the writ earliest June 24 and latest December 24, 2026. Climate & Economy: Tabuya warns sea-level rise could cost Fiji up to 2.6% of GDP annually, as COP31 planning ramps up with Fiji-hosted pre-COP meetings in October. Regional Diplomacy: PSNA plans pickets at Fiji’s High Commission and consulate in Auckland/Wellington over Israel’s first Pacific embassy opening in Suva.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Fiji’s fuel review takes effect June 1 with record hikes—diesel up to 77–80 cents/litre and petrol up around 80 cents—followed by LPG jumps (12kg cylinders up about $9 on Viti Levu/Vanua Levu), pushing households and businesses into higher transport and cooking costs. Opposition Pushback: Opposition MP Ketan Lal calls for fuel tax removal, arguing diesel-driven price rises will hit food and essential services. Minimum Wage Debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says any move toward an $8 minimum wage must follow a formal review process, while unions press for a living-wage approach. Election Readiness: The Fijian Elections Office flags election information management, operational readiness and public confidence as key challenges, especially after Local Government election deferment. Trade & Legal Support: Fiji ratifies the WTO Advisory Centre agreement to secure free legal advice and subsidised representation for trade disputes. Fisheries & Food Security: A four-month Kawakawa/Donu ban begins today (until Sept 30), while beche-de-mer harvesting is extended by eight months to support rural incomes. Tourism Accountability: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka tells Parliament growth must be measured by benefits reaching rural, maritime and iTaukei communities, pointing to the Tourism Bill 2026 and marine areas reforms. Regional Security & Infrastructure: Fiji is set to be the first Quad port-infrastructure pilot partner, with maritime surveillance and critical minerals initiatives also announced. Customs Cooperation: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi June 2–4 to scale up border protection against organised crime and illicit financial flows. Women’s Health: Minister Sashi Kiran urges earlier lupus diagnosis and stronger community support, noting women are disproportionately affected. Aviation Capability: Cabinet backs a pathway toward a sovereign Fiji aviation capability for maritime surveillance, rapid response and outer-island transport. Arts Event Deferred: Fiji’s Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival is pushed to next year due to competing programmes and fiscal pressure.

Education & Child Protection: Fiji’s Education Bill 2025 drops corporal punishment after public consultation concerns, with the Minister saying discipline is still covered under other laws and processes. Public Health & Youth Risk: World No Tobacco Day warnings in Macuata say tobacco use is pushing young people toward harder drugs, citing higher nicotine/tar levels in suki and youth tobacco uptake. Police & Justice Reform: The Fiji Police Bill 2026 proposes an independent Disciplinary Tribunal to review police discipline decisions, plus community policing provisions. Immigration Overhaul: Immigration Amendment Bill 2026 adds pre-arrival screening using advanced passenger information, streamlines visa categories, and tightens data retention rules. Tourism Governance: Tourism Bill 2026 passed, setting clearer accountability and coordination across government agencies to give investors more certainty. Regional Security & Trade: The Quad’s New Delhi meeting backs a “Ports of the Future” plan for Fiji, with Suva and Lautoka flagged, alongside maritime surveillance and energy initiatives. Digital Agriculture: Fiji’s e-agriculture rollout moves from pilots to nationwide systems, with $115m budget support but delivery risks tied to rural connectivity and skills. Economy Watch: The Reserve Bank warns rising global energy costs are feeding inflation and could pressure households further. Social Protection: Adoption regulations are now operational, allowing 500+ pending adoption applications to be lodged in court. Sports & Youth: Fiji names a 22-member women’s U18 handball squad for a world championship debut in Romania.

Economic Risk: Fiji’s central bank warns rising global energy costs are feeding inflation and could push up fuel, food and transport costs further, after inflation returned to 1.8% in April. Crime & Security: Police and RFMF continue a crackdown on drug cartels in the Western Division after a joint raid in Nadi, with officials saying the hunt will not stop. Border & Immigration Reform: The Immigration Amendment Bill adds pre-arrival screening using advanced passenger information systems, streamlines visa categories, and tightens data rules. Policing Accountability: The Fiji Police Bill 2026 sets up a Police Force Disciplinary Tribunal to review disciplinary decisions and strengthen fairness and public trust. Tourism Governance: The passed Tourism Bill 2026 aims to give clearer government accountability and investor certainty, with coordinated cross-agency responsibilities. Regional Trade & Customs: Fiji’s Laisiana Tugaga is appointed Head of Secretariat of the Oceania Customs Organisation, the first Fijian to lead the body. Quad Ports Push: Quad foreign ministers back a Fiji port infrastructure plan, framed as boosting Pacific supply-chain resilience and maritime cooperation. Social Policy: Adoption regulations are now operational, clearing the way for 500+ pending adoption applications to be lodged in court.

Quad Ports & Security: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi agreed on maritime surveillance cooperation and a first joint port-in-Fiji infrastructure push, alongside critical minerals and energy-security initiatives—while India insisted the Quad is not aimed at any country. Fiji Power Reliability: Parliament heard unplanned electricity outages rose to 1,829 in 2025, even as average restoration time improved; EFL outlined a $522.66m grid upgrade plan. Jobs & Reintegration: The Criminal Records Bill 2026 cleared the way to expunge minor offences to help people access jobs and overseas labour mobility; Parliament also clarified Yellow Ribbon Program funding and access rules. Education Staffing Gap: 202 registered teachers still await placement as of May 25, with the biggest shortfall in early childhood. Regional Diplomacy: Israel is set to open a resident embassy in Suva as ties expand. Youth & Work: National youth leaders urged Fiji to reduce reliance on imported Bangladeshi workers and invest in training local youths. Power & Climate Shipping: Pacific ministers are set to meet on low-carbon shipping to cut diesel dependence and unlock climate finance.

Indo-Pacific Security & Trade: The Quad’s New Delhi push is back in the spotlight, with Fiji watching as ports and critical minerals plans are discussed—while critics warn Pacific states are still sidelined in decisions made “behind closed doors.” Power Reliability: Parliament heard Energy Fiji Limited recorded 1,829 unplanned outages in 2025 (up from 1,656 in 2024), even as average restoration time improved; EFL says a $522.66m grid upgrade is underway. Jobs & Reintegration: Fiji’s Criminal Records Bill 2026 clears the way to expunge minor offences to help people access work and overseas labour mobility. Education Staffing: 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of May 25, 2026, with Early Childhood Education the biggest gap. Justice & Policing: The Fiji Police Bill 2026 was fast-tracked for committee scrutiny, aiming to modernise powers for serious and organised crime. Diplomacy: Israel is set to open a resident embassy in Suva as ties deepen. Regional Climate Shipping: Pacific ministers will meet in Majuro to advance low-carbon shipping and unlock climate finance.

Fuel Relief Funding Debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel told Parliament Australia’s extra AUD$30m (FJD$47m) budget support won’t be ring-fenced for fuel cash, but pooled into the consolidated fund and allocated by national priorities, after Opposition questioned safeguards and accountability. School Levy Pressure: The Fiji Teachers Association urged Government to suspend school levies as families face rising fuel, transport and food costs, warning levies could push students out of school. Parliament Oversight on Education Funds: MPs also challenged how $450,000 for the School Management Association of Fiji was spent, with the Education Minister saying he lacked detailed “nitty-gritty” information until year-end. Crime, Borders & Forensics: Fiji is establishing document forensic labs in Nadi and Suva to detect fake passports and forged travel documents after a transnational murder-for-hire case involving Samoan nationals. Climate Early Warnings: Fiji launched a US$15.4m early warning project to reach 416,000 people, targeting barriers that stop warnings reaching women, persons with disabilities and remote communities. Tourism Law Overhaul: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, creating a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund, with a focus on protecting culture and community-based operators. Quad Ports & Infrastructure: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji and pursue energy security and critical minerals cooperation, with Suva Port and other projects flagged as potential beneficiaries. Corporate Transparency: Assistant Justice Minister Ratu Josaia Niudamu said companies’ law amendments will strengthen beneficial ownership checks as Fiji prepares for the 2026-2027 money laundering mutual evaluation.