AGP Executive Report

HIV in Parliament: Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told lawmakers Fiji is in a generalized HIV epidemic, with UNAIDS estimating about 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025 and possibly up to 12,000, plus 1,700 new infections last year—while treatment and testing gains continue but Fiji has not yet reached the “turning point.” Tourism tax backlash: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax starts 1 September, and Australian and New Zealand travel groups warn it could hit already-booked holidays, calling for “grandfathering” instead of retrospective billing as the levy is linked to support for Fiji Airways. Fisheries crackdown: The Fisheries Ministry says it is tightening enforcement against illegal fishing with satellite surveillance, vessel tracking, 100% port inspections and patrols, warning IUU fishing threatens conservation and food security. Legal accountability: The High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority’s spending for the 2023 Pacific Games was unlawful and unprocedural under the Public Financial Management Act, setting up further legal questions. Church leadership & discipline: Methodist Church leaders elected Rev Dr Jolami Lasawa as President-Elect for 2027, while outgoing president Rev Dr Semisi Turagavou warned excessive yaqona use among ministers is affecting church leadership and members. Elections & legal backlog: Fiji recorded 8,901 new voter registrations, and the Legal Practitioners Unit still has 1,530 unresolved complaints. Public safety notices: RFMF will conduct a march-through in Nadi and a separate exercise near Vuda Marina and Serenity Island, with simulated sounds and blank ammunition.

Tourism Tax Backlash: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax is set to hit from 1 September, but Aussie and NZ travel groups warn it could cost travellers more—especially those with bookings already made—while the Finance Minister says the government has already extended timelines and is pushing back on “delay tactics” and negative publicity. Public Finance Court Ruling: Fiji’s High Court backed the Auditor-General, ruling the National Hosting Authority’s spending for the 2023 Pacific Games was unlawful and unprocedural under the Public Financial Management Act. Anti-Corruption Politics: Unity Fiji’s Savenaca Narube says political interference in independent institutions could weaken Fiji’s fight against corruption and calls for stronger safeguards. Education & Child Protection: The Human Rights Commissioner says children affected by drugs shouldn’t be labelled “problem students” and urges prevention, safeguarding and inclusive education; meanwhile, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says school dropouts have fallen, helped by grants and transport support. Methodist Church Leadership: Rev Dr Jolami Lasawa was elected President-Elect for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, with reforms and a 2027 focus on liberation and reformation. Fisheries Enforcement: Banned kawakawa, donu and turtle were seized at Suva port, with potential fines under fisheries rules. RFMF Exercise Notice: The RFMF warns of a military exercise near Vuda Marina and Serenity Island, with simulated sounds and blank ammunition. Sports & Governance: FRU opened applications for the Flying Fijians head coach as Fiji builds toward Rugby World Cup 2027.

Political Campaigning: Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry told supporters at Lautoka’s AGM that Labour’s mission is to win the next general election outright, urging voter registration and warning members to follow new Electoral Act campaign rules, while ruling out any pre-election coalition. Anti-Corruption & Institutions: Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube warned that political interference in independent anti-corruption and justice bodies could weaken Fiji’s fight against corruption, calling for safeguards and objective leadership appointments. Tourism Tax Fight: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel hit back at the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association over “delaying tactics” around the 5% Tourism Services Tax, while FHTA says operators are still unclear on how the turnover-based levy will apply to existing bookings and deposits. HIV Response: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran met UNAIDS to push stigma reduction and better access to support, including culturally simple messaging beyond Suva. Education & Social Policy: Parliament heard school dropouts have fallen, with primary and secondary retention improving, and the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma’s Festival of Praise begins today with inclusive education students performing nationally. Local Governance: Labasa Town Council says it will pursue legal action against long-term rate defaulters to protect municipal services.

Tourism Tax Fight: Fiji’s Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Government is concerned about “delaying tactics” by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) and a few operators over the 5% Tourism Services Tax (TST), after implementation dates were pushed from 1 July to 1 August and then 1 September. Industry Pushback: FHTA CEO Fantasha Lockington says businesses are still unclear on how the turnover-based levy will apply to existing bookings, deposits and wholesalers, warning confusion could damage Fiji’s tourism reputation. Election Politics: Fiji Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry urged voters to back “change” in the general election, blaming weak accountability and governance for cost of living, unemployment, health and education pressures. Money Laundering Test: Finance Minister Immanuel says Fiji’s upcoming Asia-Pacific Group mutual evaluation next month could affect the outlook, while Justice Minister Siromi Turaga warns of grey-listing risk. HIV Treatment Gap: Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament Fiji is in a generalised HIV epidemic, with only 56% of diagnosed people starting treatment in 2025. Aviation Safety: Fiji launched its first National Aviation Safety Plan to align with ICAO standards. Housing Supply: Housing Authority reports 267 serviced lots and 101 model homes delivered in 2025/26. Education & Community: USP students involved in a sign-language mockery video have apologised after counselling; Fiji also faces ongoing repairs needs at Naivaka Primary School six years after TC Yasa.

Electoral Reform Push: Parliament is set to consider major changes to Fiji’s election rules, including removing the 48-hour campaign blackout, shrinking the polling-station boundary from 300m to 100m, setting $300,000 candidate and $3m party caps, and banning voter registration for four years for people convicted of corrupt electoral practices. Anti-Corruption Update: FICAC told Parliament it spent about $19,022 investigating and prosecuting former DPP Christopher Pryde, and also reported 160 active court matters as of June 30, with 141 at prosecution stage and 19 on appeal. Education Accountability: Forty-two schools missed Free Education Grant payments in 2025 after failing financial management requirements, while Opposition raised concerns over 137 teachers whose salary upgrade applications may not be processed in 2026-2027. Immigration Access: New immigration offices are planned for Nakasi and Rakiraki next month/September, with passport and citizenship services expanding beyond Suva and Lautoka. Social Protection & Inclusion: The Women’s Minister condemned a video mocking sign language, and the Deaf Association called for education and apology—not anger. Public Safety & Health: Police warn meth is increasingly showing up in coloured pressed pills, and the Health Ministry says there’s no budget to compensate the Lakeba medical team rescued from open waters, though recovery support continues. Aviation Disruption: Nadi Airport remains open but airlines are managing a jet fuel shortage and contamination-related restrictions, including tankering and service changes.

Education Accountability: 42 schools missed Free Education Grant disbursements in 2025 after failing financial management requirements, with the Eastern Division hit hardest. Disability Inclusion: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran and the Fiji Association of the Deaf condemned a video mocking Fiji Sign Language, urging education and apology. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Parliament revealed FICAC spent about $19,022 on the Christopher Pryde case, while 160 FICAC matters still sit before the courts. Street Outreach: The Ministry says it’s intensifying multi-agency operations in Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka and Labasa to reintegrate street-connected people and address root causes. Justice & Legal Aid: Government is reviewing Legal Aid Commission income criteria to improve clarity for applicants. Money Laundering Focus: Fiji faces a high money-laundering risk ahead of its 2026 mutual evaluation, with grey-listing warned. Immigration Access: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month/September, and citizenship applications are now available online for overseas Fijians. Health & Safety: No meth cases were reported in schools, but police warn meth is increasingly showing up in coloured pills. Aviation Disruption: Nadi remains operational amid jet fuel supply restrictions after contamination concerns, with airlines forced to manage allocations.

Money Laundering Watch: Fiji faces a high risk of money laundering, with the 2025 National Risk Assessment feeding into a 2026 mutual evaluation that could trigger grey-listing if gaps aren’t fixed. Aviation Fuel Crisis: A fuel contamination issue at Nadi has forced airlines to cancel services or refuel mid-journey, with pilots told the problem could last until end of the month. Tourism Tax Backlash: From 1 September, a 5% tourism services tax for large operators is set to take effect, but travel bodies warn it may hit travellers with existing bookings due to short notice and retrospective billing concerns. Parliament & Rights: Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, while Rewa’s chief says it still fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to customary owners. Child Protection Push: New child protection regulations are on track for October, tightening registration, monitoring, safeguarding and reporting for agencies and children’s homes. Digital Governance: Fiji’s Statistics Bill 2026 aims to strengthen the Fiji Bureau of Statistics and protect it from political interference. Health & Society: Methodist leaders urged discipline on yaqona and smoking; FWCC called for Nadi and Rewa players facing rape/sexual assault charges to be temporarily stood down pending court cases. Climate Youth Voice: Fiji’s COP31 preparations will include youth delegates with responsibilities, not observer roles.

Parliament & Law: Fiji Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, creating a new framework for commercial tourism and saying proprietary ownership will revert to iTaukei customary owners—though Rewa Chief Ro Naulu Mataitini says it still fails to restore qoliqoli rights promised for generations. Anti-Corruption: FICAC spent about $19,022 investigating and prosecuting former DPP Christopher Pryde, with Justice Minister Siromi Turaga detailing costs tied to alleged gratuity and procurement-related payments. Justice & Rights: FWCC urged Nadi and Rewa clubs and the Fiji Football Association to temporarily stand down two players facing rape and sexual assault charges until court proceedings finish. Health & Services: Fiji is preparing 242 new doctors/interns (121 each) through the public health pipeline, while the VAT refund process for low-risk claims targets 30 days. Economy & Travel: A jet fuel shortage at Nadi is forcing some airlines to cancel or reroute, and Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax from 1 September is drawing pushback from travel groups over short notice and possible extra costs for already-booked trips. Climate & Youth: Minister Lynda Tabuya says youth will have real roles in Fiji’s COP31 preparations, with young delegates named for taskforce work. Sports: Melbourne Storm confirmed Fijian captain Tui Kamikamica’s immediate retirement on medical grounds. Bar Admissions: Two new lawyers were admitted in Suva, including Glovini Hatamari Thibon, who will return to the Marshall Islands for a four-year service bond.

Marine Areas Bill: Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, giving iTaukei customary owners a pathway to control and benefit from qualifying commercial marine areas, while keeping existing leases and setting up an appeals tribunal. Public Health & HIV: Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament Fiji is in a generalized HIV epidemic, with about 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025 and around 1,700 new infections—plus a push to expand testing, treatment, PrEP and harm-reduction. Internet Rollout: Government says 46,840 Fijians across 311 communities will be connected next, after July usage hit 49TB—while officials warn online access must come with child protection and online safety education. Education Oversight: FICAC flagged misuse of $40,000 meant for teachers’ quarters, and the Human Rights Commission urged police and Education Ministry to investigate allegations of a teacher slapping a 16-year-old student. Local Governance: From September 1, Fiji will enforce a $200 littering fine, with Suva adding bins but stressing behaviour change over enforcement alone. Church Discipline: Methodist leaders warned ministers and lay pastors against excessive yaqona and smoking, linking discipline to stronger pastoral care. Elections Readiness: Fiji’s Electoral Commission and Elections Office say they’re ready for the general election window, even as proposed electoral law changes and a constitutional referendum add complexity. Justice & Politics: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says his lawyer has sought directions on his next step after his case cleared, while PM Rabuka moves to appeal the Commission of Inquiry ruling. Tourism Tax Backlash: ATIA criticised Fiji’s new tourism services tax for retrospective billing that, it says, breaks promises to travellers and strains the booking ecosystem.

Internet Rollout: Fiji’s connectivity push moves into phases three to five, with 311 communities (12,101 households) identified for rollout after TAF verification and a five-stage review, as demand keeps climbing. Diplomatic Missions: Opposition MPs want Fiji’s overseas missions to deliver clearer economic returns through trade, exports and investment—not just relationships. Education Funding: 42 schools missed out on the Free Education Grant in 2025 due to compliance gaps, with the Eastern Division hit hardest. Air Links to PNG: Fiji is eyeing stronger direct air connectivity with Papua New Guinea to unlock investment and trade, including talk of dual listings. Church Discipline: Methodist leaders urged ministers and lay pastors to curb yaqona overconsumption and stop smoking, linking discipline to effective ministry. Climate Voice: Fiji hosts the Pacific COP31 local communities gathering in Nadi, with youth and disability advocates pushing for real influence in climate decisions. Litter Crackdown: Littering fines rise fivefold to FJ$200 from Sept 1, alongside tougher enforcement and tracking of behaviour change. Sports & Health: Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica retires immediately on medical grounds after a stroke, ending a 142-game NRL career. Governance & Law Reform: Opposition questions the pace of Fiji’s law reforms, while immigration enforcement is urged to shift toward intelligence-led detection.

Justice Delays: Fiji Police still have not laid charges four months after the death of Jone Vakarisi in military custody, despite police classifying it as murder and investigators completing interviews ahead of possible DPP action. Health & Safety: Parliament heard Fiji is seeing more youth substance abuse, with children as young as 10–14 reportedly trapped in addiction; Government says a residential rehab centre for boys aged 14–17 is already in place. Climate & Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna warns El Niño could hit sugarcane hardest, with farmers urged to manage water sustainably as irrigation costs may rise. Parliamentary Education Reform: Parliament unanimously passed a Bill to replace Pacific Theological College with Pasifika Communities University, keeping church ownership while expanding a wider statutory framework. Public Health Standards: Health Ministry has started a nationwide hospital bed upgrade programme and is also studying how to lift at least one public hospital to international JCI standards. Environment & Compliance: Littering fines are set to jump to $200 from next month as Environment Ministry targets ongoing rubbish dumping. Elections Readiness: Fiji’s voter roll stands at 707,982 registered voters, with election bodies saying they are ready within the constitutional window. Maritime Cleanup: Government launched a US$1m initiative to remove 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, alongside legal reforms to prevent future abandonment.

Living Wage Push: Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation demands Fiji Trades Union Congress release the survey methodology and data behind its $8 per hour living wage campaign, arguing a petition alone isn’t a wage-setting method and questioning sample size, costs used and whether the figure is gross or net. Education Staffing Integrity: The Education Ministry warns head teachers against hiding teachers in ER5 staffing returns, saying inaccurate data could trigger wrong recruitment; it’s now cross-checking ER5 against school records and reviewing qualifications and placements. Public Project Selection: Government says development projects won’t be chosen just by requests or location; selection will follow the PSIP framework using need, impact, funding and readiness criteria. Street-Connected Children: In Parliament, Women and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran links street-connected children to family breakdown, violence and emotional disconnection, and says a Suva rehabilitation facility and digital parenting support are being rolled out. Law Reform Debate: Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga defends the Fiji Law Reform Commission’s reviews and consultations, while Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya challenges whether proper gap analysis and consultation were done. Littering Fines Rise: Environment officials say littering penalties jump to $200 from next month, urging use of waste collection services as councils face operational limits. Election Readiness: Fiji’s voter roll stands at 707,982 and the Electoral Commission/Fijian Elections Office confirm readiness to hold a general election any time within the constitutional window. COI Fallout: PM Rabuka says he will appeal the High Court ruling that quashed the Commission of Inquiry report into FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali, with taxpayers potentially funding any further legal fight. Police Surveillance: Police expand the Safe City CCTV network along the Suva–Nausori corridor, with 230 cameras planned and 97 already operating. Fiji Airways Guarantee: Parliament approved a FJD200m government guarantee to support Fiji Airways borrowing amid liquidity and fuel cost pressures.

Maritime Security: A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Joseph Gerczak, has arrived in Suva for joint “ship rider” operations with Fiji under Operation Blue Pacific, targeting illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes in Fiji’s EEZ. Constitution & Elections: Fiji’s Referendum Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this week as the Constitution Review Commission nears its Aug 30 deadline, while the Electoral Commission and Fijian Elections Office say they’re ready to hold the next general election any time within the Aug 7, 2026–Feb 6, 2027 window. Environment & Public Safety: Littering fines are set to jump fivefold from Sept 1, from $40 to $200, with stronger enforcement via municipal, Police and Land Transport officers; meanwhile, Suva-Nausori corridor security has been boosted with 230 CCTV cameras at 50 sites. Justice & Accountability: Fiji’s High Court ordered the return of seven seized devices in the Charters case, and the Fiji Labour Party backs PM Rabuka’s appeal after a COI report on FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali was ruled null and void. Health & Community: Fiji is pushing for community-led HIV responses, and a visiting international medical mission in Suva is turning people away daily due to overwhelming demand. Crime & Fraud: U.S. prosecutors have unsealed a 25-count indictment over a $165m crypto Ponzi scheme, after the alleged mastermind Edward Zimbardi was deported from Fiji to face trial. Education & Diplomacy: Fiji plans a Chinese language pilot in 12 schools, and MOFA says Taiwan’s new envoy to Australia has been appointed.

Maritime Security: Fiji and the US Coast Guard will run joint maritime law enforcement operations this week, with the cutter Joseph Gerczak working from Suva to support shiprider patrols in Fiji’s EEZ against illegal fishing, drugs and other transnational crime. Indigenous Land Law: Acting AG Siromi Turaga says 26 iTaukei-related laws (2007–2022) are being reviewed to strengthen rights and address past concerns, while Opposition MP Jone Usamate demands changes bring certainty and goodwill for iTaukei communities. Fiji Airways Guarantee Fight: MPs backed a $200m Fiji Airways borrowing guarantee, as Opposition questions the airline’s in-flight food and cost-cutting, arguing passenger experience and reputation are at stake. HIV in Corrections: Fiji Corrections Service is moving toward mandatory HIV testing for newly admitted inmates, citing rising facility cases and rolling out mass screening at Suva Corrections. Police Accountability: A parliamentary committee is pushing for a formal whistleblower policy for the Fiji Police Force and supports body-worn cameras with proper legal safeguards. Crime Case Delays: Four months after the death of Jone Vakarisi in military custody, police still have no charges laid in the alleged murder investigation. Tourism Oversight: Tourism Fiji faces scrutiny over late reporting, weak marketing detail and uneven benefits, with calls for stronger accountability and targeted support for underserved regions. Local Governance: Navua’s market and bus stand are set to be relocated to Thompson Park as the town prepares for declaration on Aug 28. Regional Sports Diplomacy: Fiji officially signed up to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, backed by Australia’s $250m investment, with a schools-and-youth focus. International Justice: US authorities say Edward Zimbardi, accused in a US$165m crypto Ponzi scheme, was deported from Fiji to face federal fraud and money laundering charges. Health Warning: Pacific families are urged to act fast on meningococcal symptoms after a death in New Zealand highlights how quickly the disease can worsen. Environment & Enforcement: Fiji will increase littering fines fivefold to FJ$200 from Sept 1, alongside stronger enforcement through litter prevention officers. Agriculture & Jobs: Government and Opposition clash in Parliament over agarwood expansion, with critics demanding clear targets, financing and guaranteed markets before farmers plant.

Fiji Airways Guarantee & Fuel Shock: Parliament approved a $200m Government guarantee to help Fiji Airways cover a major fuel bill surge, with MPs also questioning why the airline needs more borrowing and whether cost-cutting—especially on meals—has gone too far. High Court vs FICAC Inquiry: The High Court declared the Commission of Inquiry report into FICAC null and void, citing bias and natural justice failures, while PM Rabuka said he won’t concede defeat in the Malimali case and is waiting for legal advice. Elections Timing: PM Rabuka said any new electoral laws must be properly understood before the next general election, warning against rushing voters into changes. Civil Service Performance: Opposition MP Jone Usamate accused ministries of low productivity and called for a full overhaul of performance management and civil service right-sizing. Digital & Cybersecurity Push: Government targets 40,000 ICT jobs and wider digital access, while cybersecurity experts warned Fiji is a growing target for AI-driven scams and malware. Regional Security & Climate: Australia pledged to defend Fiji under the Veitacini Treaty, and Solomon Islands advanced its first Loss and Damage policy roadmap. Sports Diplomacy: Fiji formally signed the Pacific Rugby League Partnership in Parliament, backed by a $250m Australian initiative for grassroots and youth programs.

High Court & Anti-Corruption: Fiji’s High Court has declared the Commission of Inquiry report into FICAC null and void, citing apparent bias and breaches of natural justice, after challenges by former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali, former AG Graham Leung and Fiji Law Society leaders. Parliament & Fiji Airways: Parliament has passed a motion to guarantee an extra $200m borrowing by Fiji Airways for three years (Aug 1, 2026–Jun 30, 2029), with MPs backing the guarantee but pressing for answers on how the airline reached its current financial strain as fuel costs surge; separate debate also saw MPs slam Fiji Airways’ onboard meal cuts. Courts & Police-FICAC clash: In the Charlie Charters matter, the High Court questioned whether FICAC and Police tried to get around the law after a criminal case was permanently stayed, ordering release of Charters’ seized devices. Labour & Cost of Living: The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation is demanding immediate implementation of the agreed meal allowance increase, saying delays have stretched beyond eight months. Elections & Schools: Speaker Filimone Jitoko ruled court papers can’t be served on a minister inside Parliament while the House sits, while Education Minister Aseri Radrodro and NFP figures continue trading claims over political campaigning on school premises. Regional Security: FFA reports 16 vessels of interest and four apprehensions in Operation Island Chief 2026 targeting illegal fishing and maritime crime. Agriculture & Food Security: North agriculture officials warn ageing farmers and youth leaving farming could threaten Fiji’s food security.