1. AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTORAL ACT 2014
Cabinet endorsed amendments to the Electoral Act 2014 aimed at strengthening Fiji’s electoral framework and making electoral participation more inclusive, accessible and transparent. The proposed amendments will, among other measures, remove unnecessary requirements that may disenfranchise voters, expand eligibility for postal voting, improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, strengthen electoral quality assurance and clarify electoral processes. The amendments will also support a more level playing field for political parties, provide clearer rules for referendum campaigning, and introduce a revised ballot paper format designed to make it easier for voters to identify candidates and political parties.
2. MOU TO SUPPORT DIGITALISATION OF FIJI’S LAW AND JUSTICE SECTOR
Cabinet approved the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) to explore technical support, capacity building and digital solutions to modernise Fiji’s law and justice sector. The collaboration will support the Roadmap for the Reform of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector 2025–2029, with potential areas of cooperation including digital court and case management, legislative drafting and reform, workflow automation, records management and improved access to justice services. The MOU provides a non-binding framework for Fiji to assess and develop potential digital justice solutions before any decisions are made on implementation. Any future deployment will be subject to appropriate Government approvals and Fiji’s legal, financial, data protection and cybersecurity requirements.
3. STATE LANDS BILL 2026
Cabinet endorsed the State Lands Bill 2026 to replace and modernise the State Lands Act 1945. The Bill strengthens transparency, accountability and efficiency in State land administration, while introducing stronger environmental protections and measures to safeguard indigenous and women’s rights.
It also establishes an independent State Lands Review Board to provide an accessible avenue for reviewing administrative decisions and reduce the need for matters to be taken directly to Court. The proposed legislation also strengthens protections against unlawful occupation and activities on State land, introduces environmental buffer zones, and provides for greater benefits to customary fishing rights owners from foreshore developments within their customary fishing zones.
4. REVIEW OF MARKET BY-LAWS
Cabinet endorsed the recommendations arising from the review of Market By-Laws under the Local Government Act 1972, paving the way for new Local Government (Municipal Market) Regulations to be drafted to modernise and standardise market operations across Fiji.
The proposed Regulations will establish consistent rules for municipal, mini and satellite markets, while strengthening vendor and consumer protection, health and food safety standards, transparency and accountability in market operations, and environmental management.
The new framework will also support fairer and more transparent market practices, including mandatory written price displays, clearer market operating arrangements, improved dispute resolution, and streamlined fee and revenue collection. It will also forbid the sale of prohibited meat and fish, mixed kava, and wholesale activities within markets, while also ensuring cooked food vendors comply with applicable food safety and health standards.
5. IMPORTATION OF IMPROVED TILAPIA BROODSTOCK
Cabinet approved the importation of the Chitralada plus strain of Tilapia broodstock from Thailand, under a collaboration between the Ministry of Fisheries and the Pacific Community (SPC), to strengthen Fiji’s Tilapia aquaculture sector.
The new strain is expected to improve growth rates, survival and productivity, supporting increased local tilapia production, import substitution and opportunities for commercial and small-scale farmers. The initiative will also support the development of a strengthened breeding programme and the distribution of quality fish fry to farmers.
The broodstock will be imported and maintained under strict biosecurity requirements before being introduced into Fiji’s breeding programme, with technical support from SPC and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji.
6. LITTER OFFENCE (FIXED PENALTY NOTICE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2026
Cabinet endorsed the Litter Offence (Fixed Penalty Notice) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, strengthening Fiji’s litter enforcement framework and providing a more consistent approach to addressing littering nationwide.
The Regulations respond to identified enforcement gaps, outdated penalties and procedural weaknesses, and will provide a nationally consistent system for Litter Prevention Officers, municipal councils and other authorised enforcement officers. The strengthened framework will support more effective enforcement through training of enforcement officers, improved administrative arrangements, digital payment mechanisms for Fixed Penalty Notices, and increased public awareness.
The Regulations will commence on 1 September 2026, following preparatory work by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and relevant enforcement agencies.
7. COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION BILL 2026
Cabinet endorsed the Competition and Consumer Commission Bill 2026 to modernise Fiji’s competition and consumer protection framework. The Bill will replace the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010 and establish a modern, transparent and effective legislative framework that responds to evolving market conditions, technological developments and emerging consumer protection challenges.
The new framework will promote fair and competitive markets while strengthening protections against anti-competitive, misleading, deceptive and unfair trading practices. It will strengthen the independence of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, with greater responsibility for regulatory decisions relating to competition, consumer protection, merger regulation, market access and enforcement.
The Bill will also strengthen consumer rights by establishing statutory guarantees for goods and services, with remedies including repair, replacement, refunds and cancellation where guarantees are breached. It provides for stronger regulation of digital commerce, unfair contract terms, pricing and supplier obligations, while maintaining mechanisms for price regulation where necessary to protect the public interest.