AGP Executive Report

Pacific Defence: Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji, after the pact was signed in Fiji by Anthony Albanese and Sitiveni Rabuka, with the text also leaving the door open for other Pacific nations. Regional Security: Tonga’s PM said China’s nuclear-capable missile test has “caused a stir” and warned against militarising the ocean, as Pacific leaders push for stronger condemnation. Maritime Safety: UNDP-backed Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki training in Vatulele saw 130+ graduates gain maritime licences and engine repair skills, with safety kits handed out to boost community security. Constitution Review: Former coup leader George Speight urged confession and removal of coup immunity, arguing reconciliation needs accountability. Democracy & Media: Fiji PM Rabuka says repeal of the MIDA Act is a win for restored democracy and media freedom. Drugs at Grassroots: Policing minister Ioane Naivalurua challenged villages to declare themselves drug-free as the fight moves to community level. Sugar Sector: FSC chief and Tribunal Registrar called for elections, reforms, and a shift toward more viable farming models. Business & Standards: A new mandatory code of conduct for real estate agents kicks in from Aug 1, 2026.

Environment & Kids: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji’s cleaner future starts with children, backing composting and recycling lessons at Naikawaga Kindergarten with compost bins, buckets and gardening tools. Real Estate Standards: Fiji National University’s NTPC has signed an MoU with the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board to train agents in ethics, customer service and professionalism. European Culture: The 2026 European Film Festival returns July 16–25 with free screenings across Suva, Pacific Harbour, Lautoka and Labasa for families and children. Women in Peacekeeping: A gender assessment urges Fiji’s military to review UN pregnancy rules after finding pregnant women are removed from deployment, while men face no similar consequence. Pacific Security: New Zealand says it will explore joining Australia and Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace Alliance” after China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific sparked regional condemnation. Sugarcane Pressure: Farmers want clarity on the $85 minimum cane price and warn land lease insecurity and declining production are hitting growers. Climate Displacement: After nearly six years in tents, 37 families in Nabavatu, Macuata, are preparing to move into permanent homes following Cyclone Ana damage.

Pacific Security: New Zealand says it will explore joining Fiji and Australia’s new Ocean of Peace defence alliance, with any final decision to be made by Cabinet after treaty steps through Parliament. China Missile Fallout: The move comes as Pacific leaders condemn China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, with Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Palau joining Fiji in calling for an end to militarisation. Sugar Crisis: Cane growers are demanding clarity on the $85-per-tonne minimum cane price and pushing for better land security and fairer returns, after heated consultations in Ba and Rakiraki. Energy & Infrastructure: Nadi Airport has begun work on Fiji’s biggest airport solar farm to cut power costs and boost renewable capacity. Sports Development: Australia-backed Pacific Rugby League Partnership signed in Brisbane includes AU$250m for grassroots programs and aims to bring more NRL and NRLW matches to the Pacific. Health & Social Support: A new rehabilitation home for vulnerable boys is set to open later this year, while Levuka Hospital faces urgent calls to improve conditions after fire-related office changes.

Menstrual health in disasters: Pacific advocates say “periods don’t stop for a cyclone,” urging governments to include menstrual health in disaster preparedness after a Fiji festival discussion with UNFPA. Pacific rugby league push: Australia has signed a $250m, 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership with Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and PNG, funding school programs, grassroots competitions, and violence-prevention youth work, with hopes to host NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Girmit Museum input: Multi-Ethnic Affairs held consultations in Savusavu, asking Girmit descendants to help shape the proposed museum and contribute family artefacts and stories. Food and farming pressure: Tourism officials urge Fiji farmers to diversify crops to cut the $200m import bill, while farmers warn the real hurdle is market access. China missile test fallout: A nuclear-capable submarine-launched missile test in the South Pacific has sparked strong regional condemnation, with Fiji’s security concerns tied to wider Pacific defence moves. Water crisis in Vunivere: Government says emergency water carting continues for weeks-long shortages, while officials plan scoping for a borehole for a longer-term fix. Constitution identity debate: Professor Steven Ratuva told the Constitutional Review Commission that “Fijian” is a colonial label, arguing “iTaukei” better reflects Indigenous ties to land and culture.

Pacific Security: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific has triggered fresh alarm across the region, with Tuvalu calling it a grave breach of the nuclear-free zone’s spirit and Australia pushing for a strong Pacific Islands Forum statement. Fiji-Australia Ties: The missile launch came hours after Australia and Fiji signed a new defence alliance, as Albanese meets Pacific leaders in Brisbane to coordinate responses on security and trade. Rugby League: A $250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership opens the door for NRL and NRLW matches to be played in Pacific Island nations, alongside school programs and youth violence-prevention funding. Water Crisis: Government says it’s exploring a long-term fix for Vunivere’s persistent water shortages, including scoping a borehole while emergency water carting continues. Constitution Review: Professor Steven Ratuva urges a Constitution focused on social justice and inclusion to prevent conflict, while SODELPA calls to end coup immunity and restore “Fiji Islander” as the civic identity. Gender & Defence: A new RFMF gender assessment reports widespread harassment and urges stronger accountability, while also recommending women reach 40% of new recruits by 2030. Tourism: Fiji Airways ends its FHTA partnership, moving toward direct deals with individual hotels and resorts. Inclusive Work: Businesses hiring persons with disabilities can access major tax rebates under a new inclusive employment guidebook.

Fiji-Australia Security Boost: In Suva, Fiji and Australia signed the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, lifting their ties into a deeper strategic partnership and opening the door for other Pacific nations to join. China Missile Shock: The same week, China test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific, drawing sharp condemnation from Australia and Solomon Islands leaders and renewed calls for stronger regional security cooperation. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese continued talks in the Solomon Islands, pushing for faster progress on a comprehensive treaty as Pacific leaders warn the region’s security “architecture” has gaps. Fiji Economy Watch: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says collections are tracking ahead of forecast, with revenue reaching $FJD3.226b in 11 months and June net revenue jumping 21.4%. Climate & Food Security: A USP researcher is developing climate-resilient taro farming tools for Fiji and the wider Pacific as heat and soil decline threaten staple yields. Coral Reef Warning: World Reef Awareness Day coverage highlights how El Niño-driven heat can worsen coral bleaching risks across Asia and the Pacific.

Pacific Security Shock: China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile from a submarine into the South Pacific, drawing sharp condemnation from Australia and New Zealand and alarm across the region, with the US calling Beijing’s “opaque” nuclear buildup a major concern and Pacific leaders urging restraint and stronger regional rules. Fiji-Australia Defence Push: The missile test landed hours after Australia and Fiji signed a mutual defence alliance, prompting fresh questions about timing, transparency, and what it means for Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace” stance. Elections & Constitution Review: Fiji’s Elections Office is preparing for possible electoral law changes after the Constitution Review Commission’s public consultation, while the Fiji Labour Party and Unity Fiji are challenging the legitimacy and membership of key constitutional bodies. Domestic Violence Accountability: A police disciplinary gap was flagged in a domestic violence assessment, saying procedures don’t clearly cover such cases despite a zero-tolerance policy. Digital & Social Support: Telecom Fiji partnered with Toppan Ecquaria to drive AI-led digital transformation, and a free national social protection helpline (1561) was launched for vulnerable Fijians. Sugar Crisis: Cane harvest delays are costing farmers about $3.5m weekly, with growers council urging faster mobilisation to protect crushing and sugar recovery.

Pacific Security Shock: China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific, carrying a dummy warhead and landing in “designated waters,” but Australia, New Zealand and Japan called it destabilising despite Beijing saying it was routine annual training. Fiji-Australia Defence Deal: The missile launch landed hours after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, Fiji’s first mutual defence treaty, with both pledging to act if either is attacked, alongside the Vuvale Union investment package. Regional Pushback: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra warned China in advance and still regards the test as destabilising; New Zealand’s Winston Peters said it undermines peace in the South Pacific, while Japan urged China to reconsider. Albanese Next Stop: Attention then shifted to the Solomon Islands, where Anthony Albanese is set to meet Prime Minister Matthew Wale as talks progress on a new treaty.

Mutual Defence Deal: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, making Fiji Australia’s first mutual defence partner and committing both sides to “act to meet the common danger” if either is attacked, alongside the Vuvale Union covering climate, economy and people-to-people ties. China Missile Test: The pact landed hours before China test-fired a long-range, nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific, prompting Australia and New Zealand to call it “destabilising” and “unwelcome” for the region’s peace and the South Pacific nuclear-free zone. Navy Modernisation: Fiji’s Republic of Fiji Navy launched its Strategic Plan 2035, “The Headmark,” outlining a decade-long push for stronger maritime security, people development, capability upgrades and regional partnerships. Skills and Digital Push: Australia also pledged $145m for Fiji’s digital transformation and skills, including TVET Centres of Excellence in Suva. Health Law Reform: Consultations continue on a Public Health (Amendment) Bill, with calls to strengthen enforcement and give village headmen and community health workers a bigger monitoring role. Climate-Smart Farming: USP researcher Abhineshwar Vinay Prasad is developing taro farming methods to protect soil health and yields under worsening climate conditions across Fiji and the region. Sugar Industry Pushback: Fiji Sugar Corporation says improving grower returns needs whole-industry cooperation, not just mill performance, while confirming mills are ready for the 2026 crushing season.

Politics: Former PM Frank Bainimarama has formally endorsed Fiji’s newly registered One Nation party, saying its constitution mirrors his values on unity, equal citizenship, transparent governance and tackling inequality. Energy & Transport: Two of Taveuni’s three fuel stations have run dry, leaving long queues and threatening bus services after fuel trucks were cancelled at the last minute on a government-arranged shipping run. Sugar Industry: Government will lift manual sugarcane harvesting pay from $3 to $5 a tonne, with Fiji Police set to patrol cane areas to protect farmers and reassure growers that crushing continues. Business & Jobs: The Reserve Bank of Fiji partners with The Forge Pacific to run a five-month readiness programme for 20 MSMEs, aiming to improve governance, compliance and investment readiness ahead of a peer-to-peer lending platform. Rural Development: A new Makolei farm road in Bua (valued at $96,000) is improving access for 52 households, supporting farm-to-market income. Health Services: Korovou Hospital in Tailevu is expected to restore X-ray services by end of year after infrastructure upgrades and staffing efforts. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese arrives in Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union, then heads to the Solomon Islands as Pacific leaders push security and trade cooperation.

Pacific Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese arrives in Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union agreement with PM Sitiveni Rabuka, then heads to the Solomon Islands to push a new treaty with Honiara—amid a wider Australia-China influence contest. Sugar & Jobs: Fiji’s Special Committee on the sugar industry will raise the manual harvester rate from $3 to $5 per tonne, with added police patrols to protect farmers as harvesting ramps up. Health Services: Korovou Hospital in Tailevu is set to restore X-ray services by end of year after upgrades and staffing plans following community concerns. Constitution Review: The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission urges changes to coup immunity rules, proposing limits on presidential pardons for future coup instigators. Budget Focus: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says Fiji is facing a $1b deficit and rising debt, but will protect households by prioritising capital investment over tax hikes or subsidy cuts. Skills & Inclusion: A new guidebook backs inclusive hiring of persons with disabilities to help ease Fiji’s skills shortage. Outer-Island Access: Cabinet has approved a weekly commercial flight to Bureta Airstrip, easing long-running Levuka/Ovalau connectivity complaints. Rugby Spotlight: Nations Championship action continues as Wales and Fiji prepare for their clash, with Fiji’s players rated after the Wales match.

Pacific Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to Suva to sign the Vuvale Union agreement with Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka, then continues to the Solomon Islands as Beijing’s influence remains a live issue in the region. Constitution Review: Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission says it can’t release its draft Constitution or recommendations before submitting them to the President, citing legal confidentiality. Governance & Accountability: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre urges removing military immunity provisions and narrowing RFMF powers in the Constitution review, arguing it weakens accountability and justice. Health Services: Korovou Hospital’s X-ray services are set to be restored before year-end after residents raised concerns about patients travelling for imaging. Transport & Access: Levuka residents may soon see commercial flights resume, with Cabinet approving a weekly service to Bureta Airstrip. Skills & Jobs: The refurbished Vuvale Skills Hub in Walu Bay is set for launch, boosting TVET training capacity as Australia invests to close Fiji’s skills gaps. Sports: Nations Championship kicks off with Wales vs Fiji in Cardiff, while Samoa pushes ahead with Apia Park renovations for international rugby fixtures.

Constitution Review Transparency: The Constitutional Review Commission says it cannot release its draft Constitution, recommendations or final report before submitting them to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, citing legal confidentiality and saying only public consultation sessions are open to media. Military Immunity Push: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre urges removing 2013 Constitution immunity provisions and cutting RFMF powers, while Rewa Chief Ro Naulu Mataitini hails the RFMF’s call to remove constitutional immunity protections as a rare step toward accountability. Health Services: The Ministry of Health says Korovou Hospital’s X-ray services will be restored before year-end after residents raised imaging shortages. Skills for Jobs: Australia is funding the refurbished Vuvale Skills Hub in Walu Bay, with AUD$359.8m (FJD$359.8m) under Pacific Australia Skills to target Fiji’s skills gaps and employment outcomes. Sugar Security: A Labasa farmer says police protection helped end a decade-long cane farm ordeal after repeated arson, supporting growers ahead of crushing season. Regional Security Talks: Australian PM Anthony Albanese visits Fiji for Vuvale Partnership talks before heading to the Solomon Islands.

Australia–Fiji Skills Push: Australia is committing AUD$229.5m (FJD$359.8m) to bridge Fiji’s job-market skills gaps through the Australia Pacific Skills programme, with training built to lead to employment in Fiji—not jobs in Australia—while the refurbished Vuvale Skills Hub in Walu Bay is set for official launch next Monday. Sugar Crisis Watch: Cane farmers and mill workers are again at odds as Fiji’s 2026 crushing season faces disruption, with reports of workers blocked at mill gates and farmers launching a separate boycott over cane prices. Constitution Review Momentum: Fiji’s debate over accountability is heating up, with the RFMF calling for removal of constitutional immunity protections and other submissions urging tighter limits on ministerial powers and bigger women’s representation in Parliament. Renewables at Nadi: Construction has started on Fiji’s largest 3.25MW solar farm at Nadi International Airport, aimed at cutting emissions and boosting energy security for a key national asset. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to visit Fiji and the Solomon Islands to advance the Vuvale partnership and regional security cooperation, as Fiji and the Solomon Islands reaffirm close ties.

Sugar Crisis & Harvest Pressure: Fiji’s 2026 crushing season is starting amid a double standoff—union workers and cane farmers dispute contract terms and cane prices—prompting fears of supply gaps and possible government sugar imports if supermarkets run short. Constitutional Reform & Accountability: The RFMF has publicly acknowledged its role in Fiji’s 1987 coups, backing moves to end constitutional immunity and calling for a truth-and-reconciliation process, while lawyers urge removing FICAC’s prosecutorial powers and reducing Cabinet size to boost women’s representation. Climate & Energy Watch: Officials warn a possible prolonged Super El Niño could strain hydro power and agriculture, as Fiji steps up preparedness. Regional Security Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale argues for a Pacific-wide security agreement as leaders meet in Suva and Troika talks continue. Tourism Momentum: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Nadi reports record participation and meetings, and Tourism Fiji says new accommodation options are broadening the market beyond luxury. Local Services: Levuka residents face ongoing ambulance shortages, with patients transported using a government twin cab. Business Links: A newly formed PNG-Fiji Business Council plans to review trade agreements and boost SME participation.

Maritime Lifeline for Taveuni: Government has activated a contingency plan for the Natovi–Taveuni route, with LCT Saint Mary (Venu Shipping) starting service from midnight to keep produce and essential supplies moving as shipping disruptions bite. Sugar Industry Pressure: Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says the $5m fuel support for cane farmers will stay even after diesel prices fell, and a new $3/tonne manual harvesting subsidy is coming to boost harvesting capacity. But early-season cane shortages are already threatening mill efficiency and crushing targets. Harvest Standoff Turns Political: Tunabuna and officials accuse parties of using the cane harvesting dispute as election leverage, warning mills could lose export markets if crushing stalls. Constitution Review Shock: RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has urged truth-and-reconciliation and constitutional changes to end “impunity,” saying the military helped fuel Fiji’s cycle of coups. Budget Debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel defends the $1b deficit as necessary to protect households, while economists and opposition voices warn debt and cost-of-living pressures are squeezing essential services. Levuka Eyesore Cleared: Work has begun dismantling the Sinu-i-Wasa III wreck on Levuka’s foreshore after years of safety and environmental concerns. Water Plan Approved: Cabinet backs a 10-year integrated water resources plan to improve governance, quality monitoring, and flood and drought preparedness.