AGP Executive Report

Military & Security: Fiji has reaffirmed an independent foreign policy while China pledges deeper military-to-military cooperation, as Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua says the Pacific should not be viewed only through strategic rivalry. Regional Drills: Australia’s Pitch Black 2026 air exercise kicks off soon with up to 100 jets and thousands of personnel across 20 nations, with Fiji among those expected to participate. Sports & Community: Fiji’s Flying Fijians CEO Koli Sewabu says no formal complaints have been lodged over allegations of an unprofessional camp environment, while Fiji’s Nations Championship campaign at Murrayfield ended with a 33-17 loss to Scotland. Social Protection: A disability federation warns people with disabilities still face barriers accessing support after gender-based violence, calling for fully accessible services and information. Economy & Development: Rabuka backs a $25m Racecourse Hotels and Apartments project in Ba to create jobs and boost the town’s sports and tourism future. Consumer Watch: Premila Kumar urges the FCCC to investigate mobile money providers over unclear mobile money fees, amid public concern over M-PAiSA charges. Health & Recovery: Rabuka opened a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Suva, linking recovery support to Fiji’s future growth.

Flying Fijians Camp: Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu says no formal complaints have been lodged over allegations of an unprofessional environment in the Flying Fijians camp, adding it would be inappropriate to comment on unverified claims. Disability & GBV Support: The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation warns people with disabilities still face major barriers accessing help after gender-based violence, citing inaccessible offices and a need for disability-friendly communication under a revised national service delivery protocol. Mobile Money Charges: Opposition MP Premila Kumar urges the FCCC to investigate mobile money providers over unclear fee disclosures, as Government says it will dig deeper after Vodafone Fiji clarified its M-PAiSA tariffs. Shipping Disruptions: Government plans to acquire new vessels to ease inter-island shipping shortages, including a second multipurpose ship supported through Japan, while addressing dry-docking and crew challenges. Rehab for Addiction: PM Rabuka opened a new drug and alcohol recovery programme facility in Suva, calling rehabilitation “an investment in Fiji’s future.” Telecom Coverage: Vodafone Fiji says it’s improving Taveuni network performance and building a new tower in Qila to boost coverage. Regional Environment: Fiji is among partners pushing deeper ocean protection, including a call to safeguard the mesopelagic zone amid growing climate pressure. Ba Growth Project: A $25m Racecourse Hotels and Apartments project in Ba is set to create jobs and support Ba’s push as a sporting hub.

Pacific Security Push: China’s nuclear-capable missile test has sparked fresh calls for a Pacific-led security agreement, with Australia’s Pat Conroy saying the launch damaged Beijing’s standing and Pacific leaders set to discuss stronger cooperation at next month’s Pacific Islands Forum. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Papua New Guinea has moved to close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, drawing praise from China and condemnation from Taipei, as Taiwan’s vice president warns China is suppressing it “everywhere.” Fiji–NZ Partnership: Fiji and New Zealand renewed the Duavata Partnership for 2026–2030, focusing on trade, security, democracy, social well-being and climate resilience. Environment & Oceans: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, while new research finds microplastics deep in the ocean, including in hydrothermal vent animals. Fiji Governance & Services: Customs officers in Fiji are set to get broader investigative powers, and the National Road Safety Council is being re-established after Fiji recorded its highest road deaths in 15 years. Sport & Culture: Kadavu stunned Skipper Cup champions Malolo in a warm-up, and Nadi’s Viti Reggae Festival is set for October with Lucky Dube Band headlining.

Fiji Rugby & Community: Kadavu Rugby kept its Skipper Cup build-up rolling with a 17-14 upset over reigning champs Malolo, and will open the competition against Nadi on 1 August. EU-Pacific Investment & Culture: The European Union launched its “Powering Pacific Potential” campaign at Fiji’s European Film Festival, highlighting EU investment in infrastructure, trade, energy and education. Diplomacy Shock in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, drawing praise from China and condemnation from Taipei—another sign of intensifying China-Taiwan competition. Fiji Policy Moves: Customs officers are set to get wider investigative powers, while tougher tax reporting penalties aim to improve compliance. Road Safety Push: Fiji’s National Road Safety Council is being re-established after the highest road death toll in 15 years. Social Development: A new study finds children with disabilities still face major barriers to education and healthcare, with stigma and access gaps highlighted. Sports & National Team: Fiji Pearls trials add overseas-based players, boosting intensity and decision-making under pressure. Regional Security Debate: RIMPAC naval exercises continue to fuel Pacific concerns about militarisation and environmental impacts.

Budget & Debt Debate: Opposition MP Jone Usamate says Fiji’s 2026–2027 Budget is “fiscal exhaustion,” warning a projected $1.481b deficit means more heavy borrowing as revenue falls and debt rises, making a future debt crisis harder to avoid. Civil Service “Right-Sizing”: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says the civil service functional review could include “rightsizing” as technology and AI take over some functions, while Opposition MPs question delays and costs. Walesi Probe Dragging On: Two years after allegations around Walesi began, Government confirms the case file is still with FICAC, with no completion date given. Public Works & Traffic Relief: The Budget sets aside $20m for bypasses and road widening to ease congestion, including Koronivia Bypass and upgrades across key Suva corridors. Environment Tribunal Battle: TNG Holdings has appealed the Environment Department’s rejection of its $1.4b Vuda Point waste-to-energy and private port plan; the matter returns to court on 13 August. Fiji–Australia Security Moves: Rabuka confirms the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties will return to Parliament for ratification before taking effect.

Budget Debate Fallout: Opposition MPs are pushing back hard on Fiji’s 2026–2027 National Budget, warning of a fiscal crisis as debt and spending rise, with critics saying the plan lacks a long-term growth vision and risks unsustainable borrowing. Civil Service Overhaul: PM Rabuka says the Civil Service Functional Review could include “right-sizing” to build a modern, efficient public service, while Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel defends the approach and rejects calls for deeper cuts. Police Pay Equity: Opposition MPs want civilian Fiji Police staff included in salary increases, with Government pointing to a job evaluation exercise to fix pay structures. Road Relief Package: The Budget sets aside $20m for bypasses and road widening to ease major traffic bottlenecks, including Koronivia Bypass and Ratu Dovi Road. Vuda Waste-to-Energy Fight: TNG Holdings has appealed the Environment Department’s rejection of its $1.4b Vuda Point waste-to-energy and port proposal to the Environment Tribunal. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand and Fiji renew the Duavata Partnership for 2026–2030, expanding cooperation on trade, security, democracy, social development and climate resilience. GBV Response Updated: Government launches a revised National Service Delivery Protocol to tackle technology-facilitated abuse and improve survivor-centred services.

Medicinal Cannabis: Fiji’s government says 75% of people consulted support exploring a medicinal cannabis industry, with 17 consultations involving 518 people and a task force now shaping possible rules and systems. Jobs-First Economy: ILO education chief Dr Naren Prasad urges Fiji to shift from growth-at-all-costs to creating quality jobs, fixing skills gaps, and retaining workers to slow labour exodus. Budget Debate: Opposition MPs challenge 2026/27 spending, while Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel argues cuts to cabinet or ministers won’t solve debt pressures and insists trade-offs are unavoidable. Rural Water Push: Government allocates $10m for boreholes and rural water projects to narrow gaps for communities still relying on rainwater or inconsistent supplies. Human Rights Access: Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission opens its first Northern office in Labasa to bring complaints and support closer to communities. Lau Livelihoods & Drugs: Lau residents are urged to return home and start businesses via a $250k de-risking fund, while police are set to address drugs washing ashore. Fiji-Israel Ties: A new Israel Allies Caucus is launched in Suva, with leaders calling it a major step in bilateral cooperation. Pacific Security Shock: Regional leaders condemn China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, saying it has created tension.

Jobs First for Fiji’s Economy: ILO education chief Dr Naren Prasad says Fiji must move beyond GDP and put jobs at the centre to tackle labour shortages, skills gaps and migration. Budget Pushback: Opposition MPs Jone Usamate, Semi Koroilavesau and Alipate Tuicolo question the 2026/27 Budget over rising debt, a projected $1b deficit and whether spending is delivering value. Labour & Skills Fix: Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh blames the skills crunch on the decline of technical and vocational education, pointing to plans to reopen technical colleges and expand apprenticeships. Human Rights Access in the North: The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission opens its first Northern office in Labasa to decentralise services and make complaints easier to lodge. Justice System Upgrade: Assistant Minister Josaia Niudamu says the Budget funds digitisation and legal reforms, plus a new Nakasi justice office. Policing & Drugs: Minister Ioane Naivalurua says drug-related crimes fell 30% after joint Police-RFMF operations, with more funding for policing reforms and the counter-narcotics bureau. Tourism & Aviation Link: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defends the temporary tourism service tax, saying Fiji Airways’ capacity helped protect jobs and businesses. M-PAiSA Clarification: Vodafone Fiji says the first three transfers a day are free, with a 50-cent fee from the fourth transfer. Food Security Warning: FNU’s Prof Palatasa Havea challenges Fiji to stop importing vegetables and lead local research to strengthen food security. Elections for Overseas Voters: FEO reminds Fijians abroad that registering isn’t enough—postal ballots require applying after the election date and updating addresses.

UN Rights Pressure: Three UN rapporteurs say India’s government is dodging questions over electoral-roll revisions, warning of alleged rights violations and urging interim steps. Fiji Policing & Drugs: Police and RFMF joint operations helped cut drug-related crimes by 30% in the first quarter, with Budget funding for policing and the National Counter Narcotics Bureau. Constitution Review & Ocean Economy: Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urges the Constitution Review Commission to focus on jobs for iTaukei communities, including extending iqoliqoli into Fiji’s EEZ for long-term income. Food Security Push: A FNU-linked food security expert challenges Fiji’s vegetable imports, calling for research and innovation to use fertile land and cut reliance on imports. Budget Fallout: Opposition MPs hit the 2026-27 Budget over cost of living, debt, and brain drain, while others call for land and agriculture reforms. Power & Renewables: Energy Fiji Limited outlines a $2b renewable push targeting 60% clean power by 2030 and 90% by 2035. Diplomacy & Security: China rejects “sphere of influence” claims in the Pacific as missile-test concerns grow, coming alongside Fiji-Australia’s Ocean of Peace Alliance. Overseas Voting: Fiji’s Elections Office warns overseas voters must register and apply for postal ballots—leaving automatically doesn’t guarantee papers.

Budget Debate: Opposition MPs Hem Chand and Premila Kumar hit Fiji’s 2026-27 National Budget as “fiscally irresponsible,” warning it won’t ease cost of living or stop brain drain, while Kumar questions a widening deficit and rising public debt. Health & HIV: Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says the Budget targets a strained health system with $647m for health, including recruitment and expanded hospital services, alongside stronger HIV prevention and treatment and new steps to cut cancer patients’ costly overseas travel. Power & Renewables: Energy Fiji Limited outlines a $2b renewable push aimed at 60% clean power by 2030 and 90% by 2035, alongside grid strengthening and tariff adjustments to manage fuel-price shocks. Water Crisis: Taveuni residents in southern areas renew calls for long-term solutions after an abandoned $1m desalination plant left thousands relying on rainwater. Security & Borders: Immigration funding backs modernised border systems and passport supply, while Lau chiefs demand tighter monitoring of foreign yachts amid drug-trafficking fears. Regional Security: China’s submarine missile test across the Pacific keeps pressure on Pacific security ties, with Australia calling it “destabilising” and leaders renewing calls for closer cooperation. Tourism & Aviation: Fiji Airways ends its hotel association MoU as it shifts to direct deals, citing cost management, while Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defends a leaner tourism budget. Community & Youth: Government will fund specialised rehab centres for vulnerable boys as child drug impacts rise, and schools gear up for Kula Awards 2026.

Budget Debate: Opposition MP Premila Kumar challenges the Government’s “responsible budget” pitch, warning Fiji’s debt and slowing growth don’t add up with an $8.9b investment pipeline, and says 82% of spending is tied to day-to-day costs. Border Security: Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto backs the 2026/27 Budget with $14.8m for modernised immigration laws, new border tech (API-PNR starting August), and more passport books. Health Priorities: Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says the Budget targets Fiji’s rising HIV burden (2,000+ new diagnoses last year) and moves to cut cancer patients’ overseas radiotherapy costs with Fiji’s first radiotherapy service. Education Access: Inia Seruiratu urges reintroducing the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) and expanding transport support for rural students. Climate Risk: Pacific leaders are urged to strengthen disaster financing as climate costs are estimated at about 5% of regional GDP, with PCRIC expanding its Fiji-based role. Taxi Costs: Fiji Taxi Association says it will keep pushing for another fare review if operating expenses keep rising. Compensation Update: Government pays $7.48m to former Vatukoula mine workers and families, with more payments due. Regional Security: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says it should not be “fazed” by China’s missile test as Fiji and Australia’s Ocean of Peace alliance draws wider interest.

Ocean of Peace Alliance: New Zealand is exploring joining the Australia–Fiji Ocean of Peace Alliance after China’s long-range ballistic missile test, with Winston Peters saying China’s move is “most concerning” and New Zealand should not be “fazed,” while Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the plan is “broadly supportive.” Fiji Drug Fight: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji’s drug response must go beyond police raids to include families, churches, schools and traditional leaders, with Budget funding for prevention, rehabilitation and community support. Budget Debate—Debt and Jobs: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu warns Fiji’s debt has surged and urges a clear plan to cut borrowing, while Rabuka pushes back, saying the debate must also consider what spending has delivered on the ground. Taxi Costs: Fiji Taxi Association says it will monitor costs and may seek another fare review if fuel and operating expenses keep rising. Mine Workers Paid: Government continues compensation for former Vatukoula mine workers, topping $7.48m paid to date. Skills Shortage: Government expands apprenticeship and skills training to tackle labour gaps as more professionals move overseas. Digital Safety: UN warns Pacific digital growth is opening doors to cybercrime, scams and deepfakes targeting young people. Environment & Sports: World Sailing begins assessing the life cycle impact of Olympic sailing equipment to cut environmental harm. Winter Appeal: Salvation Army launches its 2026 Winter Appeal as child homelessness and severe housing deprivation deepen.

Cabinet Cost Crunch: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says Fiji won’t cut Cabinet size to save money, but warns ministerial salaries could be cut further if the fuel crisis deepens, after a 20% pay cut already took effect in April. Fiji Airways Under Scrutiny: Business leaders are urging Fiji Airways to review spending and investment priorities as rising fuel and operating costs squeeze the airline, with officials pointing to possible rethink of Sofitel and route/fleet decisions. Ocean of Peace Interest: Fiji says New Zealand has the right to consider joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, following Luxon’s confirmation of formal talks with Fiji and Australia. Sugar Sector Warning: The sugar industry is “no longer sustainable” in its current form, with Finance warning that propping it up could cost billions without a recovery guarantee. Rice Push: The Fiji Rice Board calls for more investment to boost local production and food security, citing a likely 30% output drop after a pesticide outbreak. Constitutional Reform Fight: The Great Council of Chiefs recommends removing the Attorney-General from the Mercy Commission to protect independence and public trust. Pacific Security Shock: Australia continues raising concerns over China’s missile test in the Pacific, calling it provocative and linking it to the need for stronger regional security. Tourism Wins: Fiji is celebrating major global travel awards, including top island rankings in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 list.

Cost-cutting push: A budget forum in Nadi sparked calls to cut transport costs by putting ministers in one minibus instead of multiple official vehicles, after reports of 826 government vehicle crashes costing $7.39m. Rural return plan: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Cabinet is considering a resettlement program for people who moved to towns but now want to return to rural and maritime communities. Sugar warning: Finance PS Shiri Goundar says Fiji’s sugar sector is “no longer sustainable” and warns that more bailouts without a recovery plan could drain public funds. Food security focus: The Fiji Rice Board is seeking more investment to boost local production, citing a likely 30% drop due to a pesticide outbreak. Constitution reform debate: The GCC wants the Attorney-General removed from the Mercy Commission to protect its independence. Trade talks: Fiji–Australia business leaders are lining up a forum in Suva next month, with agriculture flagged as the next big trade push. Pacific security diplomacy: Fiji says NZ can decide whether to join the Ocean of Peace Alliance, as regional concern grows after China’s Pacific missile test. Compensation continues: Former Vatukoula mine workers and families keep receiving payouts under Fiji’s long-running dispute settlement.

Pacific Security: Fiji and Australia signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defence pact that also leaves the door open for other Pacific states to join—New Zealand says it will explore partnering, as regional leaders react to China’s recent missile test. Fiji-Australia Trade: The Fiji-Australia Business Councils’ joint forum opens registration for Aug 27–29 in Suva, with agriculture flagged as the next big bilateral push. Disaster Finance: PCRIC opened a new Suva headquarters, boosting faster disaster payouts for Pacific governments as climate-linked hazards strain budgets. Environment & Waste: One Beach Fiji led a beach cleanup at Natadola, pulling three skip bins of rubbish and urging lasting mindset change. Electricity Hardship: Southern Taveuni families say they’ve waited years for power extension, leaving students without lighting and food storage. Real Estate Integrity: Fiji’s real estate regulator says some agents are flipping properties for profit, and is moving to strengthen ethics training with FNU. Health: Fiji’s HIV outbreak is described as a “syringe crisis,” with pharmacies often refusing sterile supplies. Sport: England thrashed 14-man Fiji 73-8 in Liverpool’s Nations Championship, with Simione Kuruvoli sent off and Noah Caluori set for a debut role.

Pacific Security: Fiji and Australia signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, tying their security and leaving the door open for other Pacific states to join; New Zealand says it will explore partnering after the pact, as regional leaders react to China’s July 6 submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific. Environment & Waste: A beach cleanup at Natadola Beach drew 300+ people and collected three skip bins of rubbish, with plastic bottles flagged as the most common problem. Disaster Finance: PCRIC opened a new Suva base to speed up disaster payouts for Pacific governments as climate-linked hazards strain national budgets. Local Governance & Services: Southern Taveuni families say they’ve been without electricity for years, while an editorial-style critique highlights children left in unsafe conditions during power failures. Integrity in Property: REALB chair Ilimotama Cawi says some agents are “reselling” the same properties, pushing a new ethics-focused training push with FNU. Economy & Trade: Fiji-Australia business forum registration opens in Suva, with agriculture named the next big bilateral trade push. Health: A renewed focus on Fiji’s HIV outbreak argues the spread is driven by syringe sharing and pharmacy barriers to sterile equipment.