AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum turmoil: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau opened with major absences, including Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka, as China-Taiwan tensions and US-China rivalry swirl around the summit. Fiji in the spotlight (constitutional politics): Rabuka says his non-attendance was driven by Fiji’s Constitution Review handover, rejecting claims China influenced the decision. Pre-COP31 push: Fiji is preparing for Pacific-led Pre-COP meetings with global participation, while Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu use Palau talks to lock in climate priorities ahead of COP31. Climate urgency: A UN report warns the world will exceed 1.5°C warming, raising risks for island nations; Pacific leaders are also urged to protect “whale highways” via blue corridors. Health and prisons: Fiji reports 206 confirmed HIV cases in corrections, alongside rising STI and flu/ARI pressures. Digital access: Rabuka launches National Universal Service to bring high-speed internet to remote communities, with strong early demand. Regional ties: Fiji’s delegation in Palau met the Fijian diaspora in Koror, and Fiji proposes a US technical working group to map a pathway to removing the visa bond. Maritime security: Australia’s $600m Pacific drug-crackdown package and a proposed “Waga Moana” response were discussed at PIF.

Constitution Process: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission report and Draft Constitution have been handed to leaders, but Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Cabinet will consider them first and the public can’t see the full document yet—prompting Opposition calls for transparency and debate in the open. Referendum Bill Delay: The Bill setting the legal framework for how Fijians vote in a constitutional referendum remains stuck in Parliament’s Justice committee, with no clear return date, raising concerns about timing for any September plans. Anti-Corruption Court: Former Deputy PM Biman Prasad’s FICAC trial was delayed after objections to a disputed FICAC document tied to his past company directorship. Online Safety Push: Fiji is weighing stronger age-verification rules for adult sites and says online harms are getting more serious while the Online Safety Commission’s budget has dropped. Corrections Health Digitisation: PATISPlus is being launched to connect prison health data to the national system, aiming for better care and planning while stressing strict confidentiality. Labour Scam Probe: Fiji’s Employment Ministry is working with police to identify a network allegedly running fake overseas job offers to Fijians via fees and social media. Pacific Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China warned of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence as several leaders skip the meeting, while Australia and New Zealand stress the forum decides its own affairs.

Constitution Transparency Fight: Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry is demanding the full Constitution Review Commission report and Draft Constitution Bill be released publicly, saying secrecy is undermining legitimacy and raising fears over President selection, the Great Council of Chiefs’ role, and whether the secular state is weakened. Regional Diplomacy at PIF: As Pacific Islands Forum talks open in Palau, China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence, while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese says the forum decides attendance and refuses to be drawn into claims of “bullying” or interference; meanwhile Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka confirms he will skip the leaders’ meeting, with Sakiasi Ditoka leading Fiji’s delegation. Corrections Health Upgrade: Fiji launches PATISPlus, a digital patient record system to improve continuity of medical care for prisoners inside custody and after release. Pacific Climate Action: Leaders and civil society push to turn the ICJ climate advisory opinion into practical national and international action. Business & Investment Push: Government promises faster, more efficient business registration through digital transformation. Energy & Economy: Fiji outlines a renewable energy pipeline and targets to cut reliance on imported fuel.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders meeting is underway under “B.E.L.A.U,” but unity is strained as at least five leaders are missing or sending lower-level delegations amid Taiwan–China tensions and fallout from earlier disagreements. Constitution Watch (Fiji): President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has received the Constitution Review Commission’s report and draft, urging Fijians to shape the next steps while stressing his receipt is not an endorsement of every recommendation. CRC Proposals: The draft points to a 41-seat House, a 19-seat Senate, reinstating the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and Public Service Commission, and shifting FICAC to investigation with prosecutions handled by the DPP. Climate Governance: Fiji’s climate mobility programme is moving forward with NZ funding, while Pacific elders are pushing stronger fossil-fuel curbs and adaptation finance as grants. Security & Politics (Fiji): Police are investigating a leaked social-media document urging military intervention, with the Opposition dismissing it as not official. Economy & Trade: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji wants investment and jobs—not dependency—highlighting digital and carbon opportunities, while Google’s Natadola subsea landing/data centre progress continues after landowner concerns. Regional Development: The Pacific Resilience Facility has entered its operational phase, with pledged funds now being collected.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: At least five leaders are skipping the summit as Taiwan–China tensions and missile-test fallout loom, with officials warning the absences could dent regional unity. Climate finance push: Pacific resilience and climate funding stayed front and centre, including the Pacific Resilience Facility moving into operations and New Zealand urging partners to close a US$500m gap. Fiji constitution next step: President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received the Constitution Review Commission’s final report and draft constitution, urging Fijians to shape the future through respectful public debate. Justice and workplace power: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement calls for no further sentence reduction for former FHL CEO Mohammed Nouzab Fareed, arguing the current term is already too lenient. Cabinet-linked health research: Government says findings from the 2026 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium will be formally referred to Cabinet. Everyday governance and services: Fiji expands taxi co-operatives to improve transport access, and launches community aged-care homes in Lautoka. Cost of living: Fuel prices rise from tomorrow—diesel up to 30c/litre while LPG falls. Fiji–Australia ties: Fiji and Australia highlight a new push toward investment and digital growth for Fijian businesses.

Pacific Islands Forum drama: The 55th PIF leaders meeting in Koror, Palau, kicks off amid last-minute no-shows and partner pressure, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale flying home after a no-confidence motion, and other leaders absent or uncertain—raising fresh questions about unity as geopolitics and China–Taiwan tensions loom. Regional security & diplomacy: Australia’s Anthony Albanese will still attend, framing the summit around security, climate and migration, while the US backs Taiwan’s continued participation and China targets Palau over tourism. Fiji’s green push: USP has launched a sustainable energy training centre to build Pacific renewable-energy skills, with practical courses in solar, storage and energy management. Women’s rights in court: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement says the sentence of former FHL CEO Mohammed Nouzab Fareed should not be reduced further after an indecent assault conviction. Elections law changes: Fiji’s Electoral Amendment Bill 2026 proposes allowing parties to provide voter transport and refreshments under limits, and shrinking the campaign restriction zone from 300m to 100m. Kava Bill debate: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu calls for tougher Yaqona (Kava) Bill penalties to be reviewed, warning they could hit small-scale rural sellers. Poverty focus: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says tackling poverty needs more than income—better links to jobs, markets, finance, tech and services for rural and maritime communities.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to the 55th PIF leaders meeting urging Pacific “duty of care” on security, migration and climate, after signing a security deal with Fiji. PIF unity under strain: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale has made a shock exit from the leaders meeting as a no-confidence motion looms at home, while Kiribati’s late pullout and last-minute attendance doubts add to concerns about outside influence and fractures in the bloc. Climate finance push: Pacific negotiators are pressing for stronger loss-and-damage funding ahead of COP31, with leaders using Fiji’s pre-COP to coordinate priorities and keep 1.5°C within reach. Yaqona Bill backlash: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu demands tougher penalties in the Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 be reconsidered, warning small sellers could be hit with fines up to $10,000 and jail. Local governance & costs: Government confirms President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s UNGA81 trip will cost $45,668 in airfare, while the Ministry seeks clarity on re-exports of imported food. Public safety: Consumer Council warns parents about hazardous “squishy” toys, and Fiji’s litter crackdown ramps up with higher fines from Sept 1. Economy & jobs: Kamikamica says Fiji must attract investment that creates jobs and skills, not just more money, as tourism and business leaders discuss how to improve value for locals.

Tourism & Investment: Warwick Hotels and Resorts says it will pour about F$200m over 30 months into expanding and renovating properties in Fiji and Vanuatu, including 100 new rooms at Naviti and 82 at Tokatoka, with a goal to double revenue in five years. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific leaders head to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with fuel costs, climate, transnational crime and regional security on the agenda, while leaders also push back on missile testing in the region. Kava Law: Government says the proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 will go through further consultation, with Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica insisting jail terms and fines won’t suppress compliant farmers as Fiji seeks to grow kava exports to Australia. Local Government: Navua has been declared a town, with a special administrator to be appointed and plans to relocate the Navua market and bus stand to Thompson Park under the 2026–2027 budget. Water & Social Protection: Nearly 700kg of rubbish was pulled from Nakasi waterways by a Japan-funded trash boom, and two new care model homes in Koroipita are now ready to support vulnerable elderly residents. Agriculture Risk: Fiji warns El Niño could hit farmers hard, especially if water transport capacity can’t meet demand during planting season. Sports & Youth: Fijian Drua lock in Joji Nasova and Maika Tuitubou through 2028, while Fiji’s Junior Bula Boys prepare for the OFC U19 Championship in Samoa aiming for FIFA U20 World Cup qualification.

Regional Investment Push: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma urged Pacific superannuation funds to pool money into a co-investment framework for big infrastructure projects, backing the PIIF push to mobilise Pacific capital and strengthen governance. Local Government & Markets: Navua’s town declaration is now moving into delivery mode, with a special administrator set for the Navua Town Council and plans to relocate the Navua Market and bus stand to Thompson Park under the 2026–2027 budget. Kava Law Consultation: The proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 will go back out for further public consultation before Parliament’s next readings, as Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica insists the jail and fine provisions won’t suppress compliant farmers. Pacific Islands Forum Tensions: As leaders gather in Palau, PIF secretary-general Baron Waqa says leaders oppose missile testing across the region, while analysis highlights growing fractures after Kiribati’s unusual attendance move. Public Services Upgrade: Sigatoka Hospital received about $130,000 in upgrades, including a renovated mortuary and new advanced X-ray equipment, backed by community and tourism-sector partners. Women’s Safety: Fiji opened its second Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka, offering emergency accommodation and counselling for survivors of gender-based violence. Water Security: Fiji is prioritising solar-powered water pumps for remote communities under a new $2m funding initiative ahead of El Nino drought risks.

Women’s Protection: Fiji opened a new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka to support women and girls escaping gender-based violence, with confidential emergency accommodation, trauma counselling, case management and referrals. Climate & Water Security: Government will expand solar-powered water pumps under a $2m initiative to protect remote communities as El Niño drought risk grows. Pacific Diplomacy & Security: The U.S. reaffirmed its Pacific commitment ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum, while Pacific leaders push for stronger regional backing for climate and ocean resilience financing ahead of COP31. Regional Governance & Accountability: The Auditor-General’s office faced delays and staffing strain, with Parliament noting missed audit targets and recommending stronger retention and training. Local Administration: Navua was officially declared Fiji’s 14th town, aiming to strengthen municipal services and planning. Justice & Courts: Fiji’s Supreme Court restored Joshua Rahman’s cocaine conviction after earlier rulings overturned it. Public Safety: Police clarified missing personal items in a drug import case were released to the accused’s lawyer, while other items remain in custody as exhibits. Economy Beyond Tourism: Business leaders urged “better investment” that creates local jobs and builds capability, not just more capital inflows. Environment Watch: Fisheries Minister Bainivalu said investigations into Qawa River pollution must identify the cause before blaming any party. Upcoming Public Forum: FijiVillage will host a Straight Talk public forum on online safety on Sept 4 at 7pm.

West Papua Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau next week are set to get an update on efforts to facilitate a UN Human Rights Commissioner visit to West Papua, with Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka and PNG PM James Marape named as special envoys to engage Indonesia. Pre-COP31 Push: Forum SG Baron Waqa says most Pacific leaders are expected to attend Fiji’s pre-COP31 meetings despite other commitments, while talks continue to secure high-level participation from outside the region. Women’s Safety: A new women’s safe shelter opens in Lautoka from Monday, offering emergency accommodation and counselling for survivors of gender-based violence, with the location kept confidential. Public Safety Warnings: The Consumer Council urges parents to be cautious with popular “squishy” toys after international recalls linked them to chemical burns, toxic exposure and choking risks. Governance & Oversight: Parliament’s Standing Committee says the Auditor-General’s office missed audit targets and faced staffing strain from migration, while Police clarify which items were released or still held as exhibits in a drug case. Local Government Milestone: Navua is officially declared Fiji’s 14th town, with Rabuka saying it should strengthen municipal services and planning. Crime & Community Response: Minister Sashi Kiran condemns robberies targeting elderly and vulnerable people, urging stronger Neighbourhood Watch and regular checks on seniors living alone. Climate Mobility: A NZ-backed regional climate mobility programme launched in Suva aims to help Pacific islands plan people-centred responses to climate-related displacement.

FICAC Court Battle: Fiji’s Court of Appeal has allowed President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be added as a second respondent in PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s bid to suspend a High Court ruling that found Rabuka’s removal of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali unlawful, with the matter set to return to court on Oct 5. Tourism Tax Clarity: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says the Government’s move to apply the 5% Tourism Services Tax only to new bookings from 1 September restores fairness and removes the risk of surprise charges for already-booked visitors, though operators still want final guidance from FRCS. Crime and Vulnerable People: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran warns of a surge in robberies and burglaries targeting vulnerable residents, after an alleged robbery of an 80-year-old man in Rokara Settlement and other recent incidents. Renewables Skills Push: A new Sustainable Energy Training Centre has opened at USP to build practical solar and clean-energy skills for Fiji’s transition. Public Accounts Scrutiny: Auditors say COVID food packs were misallocated and delivered far too late during Suva-Nausori lockdown, and also flagged gaps in verification for cash assistance and mobile-money balances. Kava Trade Law: A Yaqona (Kava) Bill would fine or jail people and companies that falsely label yaqona as Fiji-origin, with a licensing system run by the Fiji Yaqona Council.

ICC Sanctions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions targeting ICC president Tomoko Akane and ICC lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, escalating pressure on the Hague court. Crime & Safety: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran condemned a rise in robberies and burglaries targeting elderly and vulnerable people, calling for zero tolerance and stronger family guidance. Police Update: Fiji Police say major crimes like burglary, robbery and aggravated robbery fell Jan–July, though vehicle theft rose. Women’s Digital Push: KOICA and Government signed a deal for a US$3.5m project to boost rural women’s digital skills and market access. Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s tourism body welcomed the government’s move to apply the 5% Tourism Services Tax only to new bookings from 1 Sept, easing fears of retrospective charges. Audit Findings: Parliament heard COVID cash payments and digital payment balances lacked key documentation, while Suva lockdown food packs were misdelivered. Kava Bill: Proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 would fine or jail unregistered sellers and punish false “Fijian-grown” labelling. Maritime Security: RFMF trials uncrewed vessels to strengthen maritime border surveillance. Weather Upgrade: Fiji Meteorological Service installed a new Himawari satellite system for faster cyclone tracking and early warnings. Education & Teachers: Unions warn of legal action/possible strike after acting school heads’ appointments were revoked, cutting salaries for 26 teachers.

Food Security & Agriculture: Fiji will expand hydroponics and protected agriculture to grow more vegetables year-round, cut the $1.1b import bill, and stabilise supplies for locals and tourism. Election Watch: Fiji’s voter roll has topped 723,000 after a two-month data-cleaning exercise, with 723,771 registered ahead of the next general election. Police & Crime Response: The NFP is demanding more visible policing—foot patrols, checkpoints and targeted operations—after renewed concerns over robberies, burglaries and attacks on taxi drivers. Tourism Policy: Fiji’s Tourism Services Tax will apply only to bookings from 1 September, easing fears of surprise charges for travellers who already booked. Aviation & Connectivity: Fiji Airways will suspend its Canberra–Nadi service from 5 February 2027, citing fuel prices and softer demand. Governance & Civil Society: Dialogue Fiji has rebranded as the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, putting democracy at the core of its work. Regional Resilience: Pacific countries met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring and early warning systems for 2026–2030.

Tourism Tax Backdown: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 September 2026, after government reversed a plan that would have hit already-paid holidays—TAANZ and the tourism industry welcomed the certainty, while Fiji’s tourism bodies say the rollout still risks reputational damage. Aviation Pressure Eases: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says Fiji Airways’ Nadi jet fuel shortage should be resolved within days after a new shipment, with airlines told via NOTAM to refuel before arriving. Airline Spending Row: Gavoka also defended Fiji Airways’ purchase of six vehicles, urging “let Fiji Airways run Fiji Airways” amid public debate and the tax-linked support for the airline. Crime & Public Safety: NFP leader Parmod Chand demanded immediate police action—more patrols, checkpoints and targeted operations—after rising concerns over robberies, burglaries and taxi-driver attacks. Elections Watch: Fiji’s voter roll rose to 723,771 registered voters as the country enters the election constitutional window. Governance & Courts: FICAC’s legal fees case against Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Vimlesh Sagar was discontinued, ending the matter in Suva Magistrates Court. Civil Society: Dialogue Fiji rebranded as the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, putting democracy and civic participation at the core. Health & Schools: A survey found gaps in students’ HIV and sexual health knowledge, while teachers marched in Suva demanding better pay and working conditions.

Elections Update: Fiji’s voter roll has climbed to 723,771 registered voters as of June 30, up 15,789 since December, after a July-August data clean-up—Fiji is now inside the constitutional election window running Aug 7, 2026 to Feb 6, 2027. Tourism Tax Fight: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax is drawing backlash from travel groups, with ATIA and TAANZ warning it will hit travellers who already booked, while Government says it will apply only to new bookings from Sept 1 to avoid retrospective charges. Aviation Disruption: Air NZ and Qantas say the Nadi jet fuel shortage that disrupted flights late last week has been resolved and scheduling is back to normal. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in—David Teika Dennis (Finance), Trevor Unusu (Police/NS/Corrections) and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture & Tourism)—as Government pushes its national priorities. Public Health & Schools: The Fiji Teachers Union says drug-related school cases rose to 3,143 in 2025, urging stronger national strategy, earlier awareness and more counsellors. Regional Security: Fiji’s inter-agency exercise Bougainville 2026 tested counter-terror response across Nadi airport, water and fuel infrastructure during DEPCON 4.