AGP Executive Report

Employment & Workers’ Rights: Fiji mourns the death of Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh in Brisbane, with PM Sitiveni Rabuka and other leaders praising his decades of service to workers and trade unionism. Health & Climate: Te Marae Ora’s Bob Williams backs a Pacific Network for Health and Climate Change Action Plan 2026–2028, urging stronger regional leadership as climate impacts health. Water Security: Drought has left 19 families in Vunivacea, Labasa without reliable water after a borehole dried up, forcing residents to rely on wells and rivers while water trucks arrive late and in small amounts. Education & Youth Support: Vinaka Fiji delivered school supplies to students in the Yasawa Islands, including bags, boots and stationery. Environment & Clean Seas: Children led a Suva Point clean-up, with Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urging people to stop dumping rubbish in waterways. Social Media Rules: Government is consulting children aged 13–17 on draft plans to restrict social media use for under-16s. Regional Spotlight: Fiji Pearls coach Michelle Parsons challenges the team to keep finding their “new best” ahead of Netball World Cup Oceania qualifiers in Tonga. Women in Trades: RFMF trainee Veniana Caumatalevu made history as the first woman to win the Best Trainee in Carpentry Award at the Engineers Regiment Trade Training School.

Employment & Workers’ Rights: Fiji mourns the passing of Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh in Brisbane, with PM Sitiveni Rabuka calling him a “true son of Fiji” for decades of service to workers and trade unionism. Weather & Safety: Fiji Meteorological Service urges people to take weather warnings seriously as El Niño conditions and rough seas approach cyclone season, stressing that knowing forecasts isn’t enough—act on them. Health Funding Debate: Leaders reject hospital user fees, arguing families already face cost pressures; instead, calls are growing for targeted taxes on junk food, kava, sugar drinks and alcohol to support healthcare. Constitutional Process: Government proposes a one-day Sept 22 special sitting to table the Constitutional Review Commission report, expected to be made public immediately. Child Protection: Ministry figures show 16,770 child abuse cases recorded from 2012–2025, including 5,329 neglect cases, as a new care home opens in Nadi. Environment & Litter: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya appeals for proper rubbish disposal after children helped clear waste from the Suva foreshore. Social Media Rules: Children aged 13–17 are being consulted on possible restrictions for under-16s as Fiji drafts legislation. HIV Crisis Push: Fiji Medical Association says the response must shift from meetings to immediate action after Cabinet declared the HIV outbreak a national crisis; tourism backs the whole-of-government response. Trade & Health Treaty Concerns: Parliament questions whether the Vuvale Union Treaty could limit Fiji’s ability to source cheaper medicines outside Australia, with health officials saying domestic procurement remains in place.

Employment & Governance: Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced the death of Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh in Brisbane, praising his service to workers and the nation and asking for privacy as funeral details are shared. Child Protection: The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection says Fiji recorded 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012-2025, including 5,329 neglect cases, as it opened the Phos Haven Care Home in Nadi. Environment: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged Fijians to stop dumping rubbish into waterways after children helped clean the Suva Point foreshore, warning waste washed from rivers ends up in the sea. Online Safety: Children aged 13-17 are being consulted on a proposed under-16 social media restriction, with officials saying the goal is to reduce risks like harmful content and grooming. Health & HIV: Fiji Medical Association calls for faster action on the HIV crisis after Cabinet declared it a national crisis, while tourism leaders say Fiji remains open to visitors and will follow health advice. Regional Links: Fiji’s Vuvale Union treaty is facing questions over dispute clauses and whether cheaper medicine sourcing could be affected.

Health & Care: A three-month-old baby, Marina, was discharged from Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Fiji after treatment for a congenital heart condition discovered in her first week of life, following travel support from the Solomon Islands. Public Service: Former senior civil servant Pita Wise has returned to government as permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Enterprise, after earlier resignation and a withdrawn Japan mission nomination. Elections & Governance: Ro Teimumu Kepa says the GCC will not enter the “cassava patch” to delay Fiji’s general election, rejecting claims that PM Rabuka lobbied for an extension. Youth, Media & Safety: Children aged 13–17 will be consulted on Fiji’s proposed under-16 social media ban, with forums starting this weekend. Health Treaty Scrutiny: Questions have been raised over a Vuvale Union Treaty dispute clause, including how Fiji could seek independent help in serious health or biological disputes. Youth Training: Jese Saukuru says more funding is needed to expand youth training centres into rural communities, with the Methodist Church helping use existing facilities. Fisheries & Sustainability: Fiji’s Tuna Symposium launched with a push to strengthen partnerships for sustainable domestic tuna development. Tourism Boost: Fiji recorded its highest monthly visitor arrivals in July, topping 100,000 for the first time, driven by steady growth from China. Faith & Community: United Christian Broadcasters launched Life FM 87.8 in Fiji, with leaders urging the station to help tackle youth drug harm.

Higher Education Safety: UFSA has urged Fiji’s Higher Education Commission to act over alleged serious cracking at UniFiji’s Samabula campus, saying students can’t safely keep using the building until independent engineers assess it. Drug Prevention Push: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica has launched Life FM 87.8 and called on the new station to help tackle illicit drug problems among young people, stressing prevention must involve families, schools and health services. Media Funding: The Government has provided $27,000 to the Fiji Media Association for the Pacific Media Summit 2026, with a focus on reaching remote communities and fighting misinformation. Tourism Milestone: Fiji tourism hit a record July, topping 100,000 international arrivals for the first time, driven by steady growth from China and other key markets. Climate Warning: Fiji is being urged to prepare for a strong El Niño, with officials warning of knock-on risks for drought, cyclones and food and water security. Regional Climate Capacity: Fiji is strengthening its role as a Pacific meteorological hub with a new Nadi training and calibration centre supported by Japan’s JICA. Hospitality Appointment: Vuli Cakacaka has been appointed General Manager of Nanuku Resort Fiji, pledging people-first leadership and continued cultural guest experiences.

Constitutional Process: Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says tabling the Constitutional Review Commission report in Parliament won’t automatically change the election timetable, with recommendations and a draft Constitution still under government review. Environment & Accountability: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says the new $200 littering fixed penalty is still “early days,” after clean-ups saw rubbish return, urging prevention and community responsibility. Health Push: Bank of South Pacific and BSP Life have pledged $100,000 to the Fiji Cancer Society, bringing a GeneX machine to speed cervical cancer screening and expand access. Crime & Borders: Justice Minister Turaga warns transnational organised crime could exploit Fiji’s borders and financial systems, calling for faster regional intelligence sharing and stronger correctional safeguards. HIV Crisis: Fiji’s HIV outbreak has been declared a national crisis, while officials and advocates stress the need for sustained action and resources. Agriculture: Farmers say stray animals are causing crop losses and demand a faster response system, including a dedicated helpline and stronger powers to capture livestock. Pre-COP31 Planning: Fiji’s Pacific-led Pre-COP31 summit will go ahead in October “with or without” major global leaders, using digital links to keep Pacific voices heard. Women & Children: Government says children made up 100% of High Court rape victims recorded in 2025, highlighting a wider child sexual abuse crisis.

HIV Response: Cabinet has declared Fiji’s HIV outbreak a national health crisis, citing a surge in new diagnoses and gaps in care, with the government moving to a whole-of-government response. Health Partnership: BSP and BSP Life have pledged $100,000 to the Fiji Cancer Society, bringing a GeneX machine to boost on-site cervical cancer screening under the national elimination programme. Constitution Watch: The Constitutional Review Commission report, plus the Constitution Amendment Bill and referendum Bill, are set to move through Parliament in September, with officials stressing the report will be tabled before the public can weigh in. Climate & Water: Fiji is bracing for very dry conditions through November as ENSO takes hold, with the Fiji Meteorological Service issuing early warnings for multiple divisions. Local Governance: Rehabilitation has started at Suva’s Albert Park after the Hibiscus Festival damaged the ground, with calls for better planning and upgrades. Crime & Corrections: Fiji’s prisons face risks from transnational organised crime unless safeguards improve, says the Justice Minister at a regional corrections dialogue. Business & Jobs: Nadi’s $5m Food Villa supermarket has opened, creating about 60 jobs, while Nadi Airport gains Level 1 accessibility accreditation. Sports: Suva women focus on set-pieces ahead of Lautoka, and Flying Fijians interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula names a young squad for the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals in Japan.

HIV Response: Fiji Cabinet has declared the country’s HIV outbreak a national health crisis, moving under emergency powers to strengthen the response and fund action through partners and the national budget. Foreign Affairs: Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says the Vuvale Union will not affect Fiji’s relationship with China, after Opposition questions raised fears of an anti-China alliance. Regional Diplomacy: Naoero (formerly Nauru) opened its Jerusalem embassy, becoming the third Pacific Island nation to do so, with Israel pledging medical equipment and water purification support. Pacific Leadership & Climate: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Australia’s Anthony Albanese faced questions on observer roles in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, as leaders also push for urgent climate action ahead of COP31. Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will expand direct services to Western Sydney International, launching three weekly flights between Western Sydney and Nadi from March 2027. Women’s Political Rights: The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement warns proposed electoral penalties could disproportionately harm women’s participation, calling for clearer offences and due process. Civil Service Reform: Fiji is benchmarking its civil service reform against New South Wales practices, focusing on better workforce frameworks and citizen-focused services.

Fiji Airways boosts travel links: The airline will launch direct flights between Nadi and Western Sydney International from March 19, 2027, with three services a week to meet rising demand and help more Fijians and visitors connect faster. Elections and women’s rights: The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement warns proposed electoral penalties could unfairly restrict voting and says reforms miss a chance to improve women’s representation in Parliament. Civil service reform: Fiji is benchmarking its civil service changes using New South Wales practices, aiming for stronger workforce frameworks and more citizen-focused services. Border data assurance: Immigration officials say Fiji’s new MERIT border system will be fully owned and operated by Fiji, with no “backdoor” access for Australia. Local business and livelihoods: A new taxi base in Kinoya Village is set to create income opportunities, with permits now available for operators. Climate adaptation funding: Fiji may receive up to $90m from the Adaptation Fund to protect vulnerable informal settlements from flooding and sea-level rise. Sports and pay dispute: Fijiana captain Sereima Leweniqila calls on the Fiji Rugby Union to pay players what they are owed after public concerns over match-day pay.

Women’s Rugby: Fijiana captain Sereima Leweniqila has publicly demanded the Fiji Rugby Union pay women players what they are owed, alleging they were short-paid for the Wallaroos Test and Oceania Championship in May. Border & Privacy: Fiji says its new MERIT border system will be fully owned and run by Fiji, with no “backdoor” access from Australia. Courts & Defamation: Two separate defamation cases involving an Opposition MP, a Cabinet minister, a former permanent secretary and Pacific Polytech are before the High Court in Suva. Housing & Climate Funding: Fiji could receive up to $90m from the Adaptation Fund to protect vulnerable informal settlements, with support for 16 communities already underway. Politics & Foreign Donations: The Centre for Democracy and Dialogue warns proposed political financing changes could allow unlimited foreign donations and weaken election fairness. Transport Digital Upgrade: Bus passengers can now pay fares by scanning QR codes via Fiji’s e-ticketing app, with transfers supported for Digicel myCash and Vodafone M-PAiSA users. Energy & Renewables: EPC Renewables and partners are pushing ahead with large solar-plus-storage plans to cut Fiji’s reliance on imported diesel. Sugar Sector Pressure: Government scrutiny continues over sugar subsidies and falling cane tonnage, with calls for major reform across the value chain.

Workplace Leadership: Fiji’s Ministry of Information PS Eseta Nadakuitavuki says leaders should take time to understand younger staff, not label them “difficult,” while Minister Filimoni Vosarogo points to younger workers’ strong tech skills. Finance & Inclusion: Eswatini’s Central Bank won global recognition at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards, with Fiji-linked leadership roles noted. Sports Focus: Flying Fijians report strong spirits ahead of the Canada clash in Japan, while Fiji and other Pacific teams begin Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier action in Tonga. Sugar Reform: Fiji warns sugar subsidies and short-term fixes aren’t solving structural problems as cane tonnage declines; government and oversight bodies push for deeper value-chain reform and better targeting. Energy & Jobs: EPC Renewables and partners back a major Fiji solar-plus-storage project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and creating training pathways. Digital Transport: Fiji launches QR pay for bus fares via the eTransport app, expanding cardless payments and wallet transfers. Public Services Accountability: Education Ministry investigates 13 suspected “ghost” teachers after payroll checks, and Fiji strengthens border systems with new passenger screening from November. Health Crisis: Researchers urge New Zealand to step up response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, calling it a regional health security issue. Politics & Integrity: SODELPA and Fiji Labour both warn about proposed electoral law changes, including donation limits and timing, as concerns grow over influence and election readiness.

Drug & politics: SODELPA warns new electoral bills could let drug dealers bankroll parties after caps and donation bans are eased, as it submits to the justice committee. Constitution & rights: Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Singh says Fiji should restore the death penalty for major drug traffickers, pointing to Singapore—sparking renewed debate as capital punishment remains unlawful under Fiji’s constitution. Border security & data: Fiji will start passenger screening from Nov 2 using Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record, while MPs question gaps and privacy risks in the Vuvale treaty’s border systems, including who controls biometric and travel data. Agriculture delivery: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna admits delays of over 12 months in land preparation for non-sugar crop farmers, blaming weak monitoring and urging contractors to improve. Climate & preparedness: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau push COP31 for clean energy finance and stronger action to keep 1.5°C alive; Fiji also urges early prep for possible El Niño impacts. Teachers & welfare: PM Rabuka orders urgent action so teachers affected by salary issues get their outstanding pay, and a community appeal tops up emergency support. Energy project: EPC Renewables and Cobra sign an MoU with Energy Fiji for a solar-plus-storage build-up aimed at cutting diesel reliance.

Renewable Energy Deal: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22MW solar with 40MWh storage in stage one, then 120MW with 200MWh—aiming to cut Fiji’s diesel reliance and lift renewables to 60% by 2029 and 90% by 2035. Border Security & Data Control: Parliament heard concerns over gaps between Immigration and FRCS under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, including what happens if a party withdraws, plus assurances that Fiji will own and run its MERIT border system and keep biometric data under Fiji’s Privacy Act. El Niño Preparedness: Government is urging early preparations for possible El Niño conditions, with agencies coordinating to protect essential services. Child Protection Crisis Call: Save the Children Fiji says sexual violence against children must be treated as a national crisis, pushing stronger prevention, protection, justice and accountability. Teachers’ Pay Urgency: PM Rabuka ordered urgent action so affected teachers receive outstanding salaries, with Finance stepping in to resolve the issue. Climate Action at PIF: Pacific leaders reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and backed urgent climate action, climate finance access and disaster preparedness. Sports & Culture: Fiji’s Flying Circus brings Fijian drumming and aerial acrobatics to Brisbane, while the OFC U16 Women’s Championship kicked off in Honiara with Fiji among the teams chasing a World Cup spot.

Teachers’ Pay Relief: A community appeal “$5 for Our Teachers” has raised $5,148.01 toward $33,500 for teachers hit by a recent salary stoppage, with Transparent Accounting & Consulting Service Pte Ltd handling funds and public updates. GBV Push: Minister Sashi Kiran says Fiji’s GBV prevalence is 64% and urges men, churches, traditional institutions and communities to help “break the cycles,” warning children face rising sexual violence risks. Servicewomen Mental Health: Kiran also stressed that servicewomen need psychological support to protect themselves and others, following a five-day workshop on trauma and wellbeing. Vuvale Treaty Questions: Fiji’s border and customs upgrades with Australia are raising concerns about data storage and sovereignty, while officials say there’s no visa-free guarantee yet—identity and border systems come first. COP31 Participation: Fiji is urging stronger Pacific involvement in COP31 talks, with Tuvalu flagged as a key bridge for climate priorities. Sugar Logistics Oversight: GPS tracking for Fiji Sugar Corporation locomotives is planned from next year to tackle cane-carting delays and alleged kava use during work hours. Climate Food Warning: Pacific leaders were told warming could cut tuna access fees by up to US$90m a year and slash coastal catches, hitting food security.

Online Safety & Children: Fiji Law Reform Commissioner Valerie Narain says a social media ban for children could be considered under online safety laws, but warns Fiji needs more consultation with children and clearer proposals on age limits, limits-by-time, and how any rules could be enforced without privacy risks. Education Pay Pressure: Opposition MP Premila Kumar urges PM Sitiveni Rabuka to replace Education Minister Aseri Radrodro if teachers’ salary and allowance issues persist, saying some teachers’ Pay 18 payments were stopped after contract paperwork problems. Border Security & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service CEO Udit Singh says Australia’s $1.5b Vuvale Union support must deliver measurable outcomes and protect Fiji’s sovereignty, while Permanent Secretary Aliki Salusalu says Australia will fund and train staff for a new MERIT border system. Constitution Review Participation: Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo challenges Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu’s criticism of low public participation, saying Seruiratu had an opportunity to submit to the commission. Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders warn that going beyond 1.5°C could hit tuna access fees, coastal catches, and flooding risks, with Tuvalu facing worsening drought and water pressure. Community & Culture: Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raises $341,015.75 for Northern health and community projects, while Fiji Museum workshops help children learn masi printing and liku weaving. Sports: Fiji’s FNRL is discussing a Pacific 9s series with NZRL and others, and Raiwai Rebels win the Genesis Volleyball soft launch title.

Education Accountability: Opposition MP Premila Kumar says teachers shouldn’t lose salaries over administrative failures after an audit reportedly found some signed contracts weren’t returned, warning “teachers should not become the scapegoats.” Treaty Transparency & Mobility: Fiji’s Vuvale Treaty talks drew criticism for not involving the public directly, and officials also say the deal doesn’t guarantee visa-free travel—priorities focus first on identity and border management. Pacific Security & China Tensions: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau registered concern over China’s missile test and urged 24-hour notice, while separate reporting highlights China-Taiwan friction spilling into the summit. Climate Finance & Action: Canada pledged $12.3m to expand climate funding via the Pacific Resilience Facility, as leaders reaffirmed climate change as the biggest threat and pushed momentum toward COP31. Local Environment & Culture: Paddle for Hope continues a 500km push against single-use plastics, while Fiji Museum workshops teach masi printing and liku weaving to keep iTaukei skills alive. Regional Opportunities: Eight Fijians won UK Government scholarships, and Fiji’s Drua coaching changes are framed as building stronger local pathways for rugby.