AGP Executive Report

Constitution Review: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission report will be released to the public only after Cabinet considers it on Wednesday, Sept 9, urging calm as speculation spreads online. Public Transparency: SEEP and the Fiji Labour Party renew calls for the report to be made public immediately, arguing taxpayers and consultation participants deserve full access before decisions are locked in. Kava Bill 2026: Rabuka confirms the Kava Bill is not law yet and will go to a parliamentary committee for public consultations before any third reading. Climate Alarm for the Pacific: A UN Environment Programme warning says the world will exceed 1.5°C warming within years, with Pacific islands facing food and water shocks as seas rise and tuna shifts. Security at PIF: Pacific leaders are urged to turn security commitments into real outcomes, with calls to improve intelligence-sharing and concerns that new security deals could militarise the region without enough control. Tourism Costs: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will spare existing bookings made before Sept 1, easing pressure on travellers while the government says it’s needed to support the national airline.

Climate Diplomacy in the Spotlight: Fiji and Tuvalu hosts a Pacific-led pre-COP push as UN warnings say the world will exceed 1.5°C warming within years, with leaders debating how to cut emissions fast enough. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: The Palau summit opens amid major no-shows and fresh Taiwan-related tensions, while Fiji’s delegation holds community talanoa sessions with Fijians in Koror. Pre-COP Attendance Row: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese hits back after criticism that only a handful of non-Pacific leaders are attending the Fiji/Tuvalu events. Tourism Tax Update: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will spare existing holiday bookings, easing pressure on travellers, though airline costs remain a concern. Health Alarm in Labasa: Diabetes amputations at Labasa Divisional Hospital are up, with 116 cases recorded in seven months. Digital Access Boost: Fiji’s National Universal Service is expanding high-speed internet to remote communities, showing strong early demand. Local Economy & Sports: Ba prepares for the Extra Battle of the Giants with expected visitor spend, while Drua adds homegrown coaching talent.

Constitution shake-up: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission report has been handed to leaders, but the public can’t see it yet as it moves to Cabinet—prompting fresh calls from MPs and civil society to release the full document and end “speculation.” Referendum Bill delay: The referendum Bill for constitutional change is still stuck in the Standing Committee on Justice, with no clear timetable for when it returns to Parliament. Online safety push: Government is considering stronger age checks so adult sites can’t rely on a simple “confirm you’re 18” box, as more Fijians come online. Fake jobs crackdown: Police and the Ministry of Employment are investigating an alleged $100 fake overseas job scheme targeting Fijians via M-PAiSA, with victims promised visas and contracts for Australia and New Zealand. Pacific security funding: Australia is set to pledge $600m for a Pacific-wide drug smuggling response, including more surveillance and police support under the Waqa Moana initiative. Health system upgrade: Corrections health is getting a digital upgrade with PATISPlus to link prison care to Fiji’s wider health system. Local development deal: Damodar Group and Y3 Kofera Trust sign an MOU to explore a proposed 130-acre Nadi development near Denarau.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka confirms he will skip the Palau leaders’ meeting, with Foreign Minister Sakiasi Ditoka leading Fiji’s delegation as multiple leaders absent and China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at the opening ceremony. Constitution Transparency Row: Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry demands the full Constitution Review Commission report and Draft Constitution Bill be released publicly, arguing secrecy is undermining legitimacy and equal citizenship. Online Safety for Kids: Fiji is considering tougher age checks for adult websites, pushing beyond “confirm you’re 18” boxes as the Government reviews the Online Safety, Telecommunications and Cybercrime laws. Health in Custody: PATISPlus is set to digitally link Fiji’s prison health services to the national system to improve continuity of care, with confidentiality stressed. Renewables Push: Energy Fiji says a F$2b renewable pipeline is driving Fiji toward 90% renewables by 2035, with solar and mini-grids reducing diesel reliance. Business & Jobs: Government promises faster business registration through digital transformation, aiming to cut delays for company registration and investor permits. Tourism & Food: Fiji coffee heads to London for a speciality showcase, while a Home-Grown School Meals policy brief targets childhood obesity and NCD risk. Water & Waste: WAF reports a second sewer overflow in five days at Sekoula Place linked to clothing dumped into wastewater lines.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: China has warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the opening ceremony, as leaders also face absences and a regional unity test. Solomon Islands politics: New Zealand’s Winston Peters blasted cabinet ministers after a no-confidence motion was filed against PM Matthew Wale, with Wale forced to leave Palau. Constitution Review: Fiji’s PM Rabuka urged calm after the CRC handover, stressing recommendations aren’t Government decisions, amid concerns over Fiji’s secular status. Relocation crisis: Cogea Village’s stalled Bua relocation may only get Government support if funding is approved, after a report called it a “ticking time bomb.” Health and HIV: Fiji urged neighbours to learn from its HIV crisis, calling for shared research and earlier detection across the Pacific. Tourism and standards: Fiji’s hotel and tourism sector is pushing for stronger global sustainability and skills benchmarks. Business pulse: Fiji recorded 20,563 active businesses, with transport and storage leading growth. Climate finance: Fiji says “one-size-fits-all” funding models don’t fit Pacific logistics and costs. Energy and jobs: Google’s Fiji subsea landing project is progressing, with claims landowner engagement and solar power plans are in place.

Climate Mobility: Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael launched the NZ-funded Regional Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme (NZ$17.9m), aimed at relocating communities through a community-led, rights-based process, building on earlier IOM and PIFS work. Constitution Watch: The Constitution Review Commission has handed President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu a draft overhaul recommending a 41-seat Parliament, a 19-seat Senate, reinstating the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, and removing “Secular State,” while President stresses the constitution “belongs to the people.” Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Fiji’s Sakiasi Ditoka says Fiji will improve services for Fijians overseas and urges stronger regional unity as several leaders skip the summit amid climate, drug crime and China-Taiwan tensions. Climate Finance Pressure: Transparency International Pacific Chapters calls for integrity safeguards in climate governance, while Fiji warns the current climate financing model doesn’t fit Pacific realities—like higher costs for outer-island projects. Fuel Costs: Diesel rises by up to 30c from tomorrow, while LPG prices fall for both 4.5kg and 12kg cylinders. Local Life: Government introduces a $200 littering fine from tomorrow, and Fiji’s Hibiscus Festival returns to Albert Park for its 70th year.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ meeting kicks off in Koror with big absences and last-minute drama, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving after a no-confidence motion, while Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka and others also skip—raising questions about regional unity as geopolitics with China and Taiwan looms. Climate push: Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya says the Pacific will seek a united climate position for Pre-COP31 and COP31, focusing on keeping 1.5°C alive, stronger climate finance, and ocean protection. Fiji in Palau: Foreign Minister Sakiasi Ditoka tells Fijians in Palau they are “everyday ambassadors,” urging respect for local laws and customs. Elder care in Fiji: Koroipita Charity Model Town opens new community aged-care homes in Lautoka, aiming to reduce isolation for older people. Workplace justice: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement urges no further sentence reduction for former Fijian Holdings CEO Mohammed Nouzab Fareed, convicted of indecent assault. Local governance: FLP questions Navua’s town declaration timing, saying key administrative groundwork like boundaries, rates and services still needs clarity. Energy skills: USP launches a sustainable energy training centre to build renewable energy skills for Fiji and the wider Pacific.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ meeting starts amid last-minute no-shows and political shocks, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving after a no-confidence motion, while Kiribati and Naoero attendance remains uncertain; Fiji’s delegation is led by FM Sakiasi Ditoka as geopolitics threatens to drown out priorities like climate action and drug crime. Poverty and jobs focus: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka says tackling poverty needs more than income—rural and maritime communities must get better links to jobs, markets, finance, technology and services, with partners like FRIEND helping drive solutions. Climate finance push: Pacific negotiators are pressing for stronger climate finance and a clearer loss-and-damage pathway ahead of COP31, keeping the 1.5°C goal alive. Kava Bill backlash: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu warns proposed penalties could unfairly hit small-scale yaqona sellers, especially in rural and maritime areas. Environment and litter crackdown: Trashboom Pacific reports nearly 700kg of rubbish pulled from Nakasi waterways since March, as Fiji prepares higher on-the-spot littering fines from Sept 1. Skills and energy training: USP is rolling out blended solar training with online theory plus hands-on sessions at its sustainable energy centre. Tourism and culture: Hibiscus Festival returns to Albert Park for its 70th anniversary after 11 years, with organisers urging people to protect the venue.

Invasive Species Control: Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture says research to control the invasive African tulip is progressing at Koronivia, using two imported biological agents (a gall-forming mite and a leaf-mining flea beetle) under strict containment, with host-specificity testing and confined trials before any field release. Regional Spotlight: Pacific Break 2026 is back, with ABC Radio Australia searching for Papua New Guinea’s best original talent, offering the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at WOMADelaide. Tourism & Skills: Pacific Polytech has opened the Pacific Polytech Melrose Hotel in Sigatoka as a training hotel, giving tourism students hands-on experience with real guests and industry standards. Local Government & Services: Navua has been declared a town, with a special administrator planned and the Navua Market and bus stand set to relocate to Thompson Park under the 2026–2027 budget. Environment & Waste: Trashboom Pacific reports nearly 700kg of rubbish collected at the Nakasi ATG Crossing since March, urging responsible disposal as Japan-funded clean-ups continue. Aging Support: Two new care model homes at Koroipita Model Town have received furnishings and are ready to welcome vulnerable elderly residents. Cybersecurity Warning: Fiji is being targeted by AI-enabled phishing and ransomware groups, with experts urging businesses to review access privileges beyond basic multi-factor authentication. Energy Training: USP has opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build renewable energy skills across Fiji and the Pacific.

Hibiscus Festival 70th Anniversary: Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka says the FMF Hibiscus Festival “belongs to the people of Suva and Fiji,” celebrating 70 years of community memories and pioneering contestants. Waste crackdown: Trashboom Pacific reports nearly 700kg of rubbish pulled from the Nakasi waterway since March, ahead of a $200 littering fine from September 1. Elder care boost: Two new care model homes at Koroipita Model Town have been furnished and are ready to welcome vulnerable elderly residents with full-time support. Invasive species research: Fiji’s agriculture scientists are progressing contained biological control trials against African tulip, with no field release yet. Pacific investment push: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma calls for a Pacific co-investment framework to pool superannuation funds for major infrastructure. Tourism training expansion: Pacific Polytech opens the Melrose Hotel training facility in Sigatoka to prepare students for real tourism work. Local governance update: Navua Market and bus stand are set to relocate to Thompson Park as a special administrator is planned for the new town council. Cybersecurity warning: Fiji businesses are urged to tighten access controls as AI-powered phishing and ransomware target privileged users. Water security wins: A long-running Marasa water struggle ends for five households with a new borehole supply. Regional diplomacy watch: As PIF leaders gather in Palau, Kiribati’s unusual attendance move signals growing fractures in the forum.

Women’s Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka is now open for survivors of gender-based violence, offering emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, case management and referrals, with the shelter’s location kept confidential as drug abuse, trafficking and teenage pregnancies raise the stakes. Water Security: Fiji plans to expand solar-powered water pumps in remote communities under a $2m initiative to protect water supplies ahead of El Niño drought risks. Environment & Accountability: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says investigations into Qawa River pollution must confirm the cause before blame is placed, as FSC denies effluent discharge while samples are analysed. Economy Beyond Tourism: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji is pushing diversification—renewables, digital partnerships, agro-processing, fisheries and maritime services—while Investment Fiji works to fast-track projects and turn commitments into jobs. Innovation Boost: FDB will inject $50,000 into the Fiji Innovation Hub to help startups and innovators access training, incubation and funding. Sports: Fiji begins FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers in Mongolia against Thailand, then Mongolia and Vietnam in a three-game test of where Fiji basketball stands beyond the Pacific. Local Governance: Navua is officially declared Fiji’s 14th town, expected to strengthen municipal services and planning.

Fiji Economy & Investment: Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica told the Fiji-Australia Business Council Fiji wants “better investment” that creates jobs, skills and local value—not just more money—while Investment Fiji says it’s fast-tracking 112 active projects to lift growth, despite regulatory delays, labour shortages and infrastructure readiness issues. AI & Education: FNU says it’s bringing Pacific knowledge into global AI education work, after contributing to UNESCO guidance on using AI in TVET. Environment & Accountability: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says Qawa River pollution must be traced through proper investigation before blaming any party, as water samples are collected and FSC denies discharge. Women & Children Safety: A new women’s safe shelter in the Western Division opens Monday, offering emergency accommodation and support for survivors amid rising cases involving drugs and trafficking. Local Governance Milestone: Navua is officially declared Fiji’s 14th town after more than 50 years, with promises of stronger municipal services and better planning. Culture & Rights: FIPRA warns YouTube channels against AI remakes of Fijian songs, saying creators’ identity and livelihoods are at stake. Sports: Fiji begins its FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers in Mongolia against Thailand, Mongolia and Vietnam, with coach Manoa Puamau aiming to prove Fiji belongs beyond the Pacific.

Waste Accountability: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya has told Wailea residents in Suva to stop dumping rubbish into a creek after a “trash boom” trapped waste for weeks, warning littering fines of $200 will take effect next week. Digital Rights & Culture: FIPRA is cracking down on unauthorised AI remakes of Fijian songs, warning YouTube channels and creators to remove content or face enforcement, saying the music is tied to Fiji’s identity and heritage. Clean, Culturally-Fit Services: In Ba, a new gas-fired crematorium at Varoko Hindu Shamshan Bhumi is being built to give families a more dignified, lower-impact option and reduce pressure on burial land. Tourism Numbers: July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99b (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), while average length of stay fell. HIV & Drug Awareness: A school-based survey by Medical Services Pacific found HIV awareness is only about half of students, with persistent misconceptions and stigma gaps at secondary level. Climate Resilience Funding Gap: Fiji says it needs $9.8b for climate resilience, but finance is not coming at the scale and speed required. Renewables Skills Boost: USP has opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build industry-ready renewable energy skills across the Pacific. Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s hotel and tourism association says the 5% Tourism Services Tax will now apply only to new bookings from 1 September, bringing more certainty after earlier backlash.

Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s hotel and tourism body says the 5% Tourism Services Tax will now apply only to new bookings from 1 September, easing fears of surprise charges for travellers who booked earlier. Environment & Water: Fiji Sugar Corporation rejects claims of effluent discharge into the Qawa River in Labasa, saying there’s no evidence linking mill operations to reported dead fish and odour while it awaits Department of Environment findings. Climate Resilience Funding: Fiji needs about $9.8b to deliver climate resilience, but finance is not coming at the scale and speed required, with calls for more Pacific-led and Indigenous-led solutions. Renewables Skills Push: A new Sustainable Energy Training Centre at USP will build practical solar and clean-energy skills for technicians, engineers and community leaders. Digital Trust: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says cybersecurity and data protection are now essential for Fiji’s digital economy and business growth. Crime & Vulnerable People: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran warns of a rise in robberies and burglaries targeting elderly and vulnerable residents, calling for zero tolerance. Community & Culture: USP students involved in a viral sign-language apology incident have been forgiven after a traditional face-to-face apology with the Deaf community. Sports & Youth: A new Fiji boxing commission board is appointed, while Fiji Rugby launches a school-to-high-performance pathway for Under-16 and Under-18 players. Kava Regulation: The Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 proposes fines and jail for falsely labelling kava as Fiji-grown and sets up a licensing system.

Fiji Airways & aviation links: Fiji Airways says it leased three BYD Shark 6 vehicles after a tender, defending the move amid scrutiny of spending priorities and financial pressure. Tourism & taxes: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association welcomes Government’s confirmation that the 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to bookings from 1 September, exempting existing bookings. Education & industrial action: Teacher unions warn of legal action and possible strikes over pay, allowances and working conditions, after acting school heads had appointments revoked, cutting some salaries by about $16,000. Environment & health: Communities in Labasa’s Qawa River area report dead fish, stench and declining fish and crab numbers, calling for an urgent investigation into possible mill wastewater impacts. Food security & farming: Fiji is expanding hydroponics and protected agriculture to boost year-round vegetable supply and cut import reliance. Rugby pathways: Fiji Rugby launched the Nasoko Programme, with 120 girls and boys (U16/U18) assessed for a high-performance pathway aimed at building talent through to 2031. Climate diplomacy: Fiji pushes for the ocean to sit at the centre of COP31 climate action, arguing implementation and funding must follow promises.

Church Renovations in Tailevu: The Alpha and Omega Christian Centre in Nakaile Village has completed major repairs after receiving a $9,852.90 grant under the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, replacing deteriorated roofing and rafters to improve safety and durability. Climate Diplomacy: Fiji says COP31 must put the ocean at the centre of climate action, arguing Pacific communities can lead with practical solutions as sea-level rise and reef decline hit daily life. Aviation Connectivity: Fiji Airways will suspend its Canberra–Nadi flights from 5 February 2027, citing global uncertainty and rising fuel prices, with services continuing until 31 January. Elections Update: Fiji’s voter roll has topped 723,000 after data-cleaning, with 723,771 registered voters ahead of the next general election. Tourism Tax Clarity: Government has confirmed the 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 September, exempting existing bookings. Public Safety Push: The NFP is calling for more police patrols, checkpoints and visible operations to tackle robberies, burglaries and attacks on taxi drivers. Food Security Moves: Fiji is expanding hydroponics and protected agriculture to cut vegetable imports and boost year-round supply.