14TH CABINET MEETING DECISIONS – 7 OCTOBER 2025

1. Fiji Blue Economy and Green Community Development Programme
Cabinet approved the Fiji Blue Economy and Green Community Development Programme (Fiji BE-GREEN Programme).
 
The Fiji BE-GREEN Programme is a new investment project in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for Vanua Levu.
 
It will leverage and enhance the productive capacity of Vanua Levu's agricultural and marine sectors through sustainable resource management and biodiversity enhancing practices.
 
The Fiji BE-GREEN investments will seek to boost rural incomes, restore ecosystems, and enhance resilience, while complementing existing Government and other development partner initiatives in Vanua Levu, most notably, the World Bank’s ‘Na Vualiku’ project.
 
Phase one is proposed to run from 2026-2031 and will develop the approach in six districts in Cakaudrove, and will also deliver an Integrated Island Management Plan for the whole of Vanua Levu.
 
Building on successes and lessons learnt, phase two will scale up the approach to the remaining districts of Vanua Levu in all three provinces, in alignment with the Integrated Island Management Plan.
 
2. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995
Cabinet agreed that public consultations be undertaken on Fiji’s intention to accede to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) 1995.
 
The STCW-F 1995 was adopted to establish internationally recognised standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of fishing vessel personnel. It is applicable to fishing vessels of 24 meters or more in length that operate beyond the inshore limits, specifically outside the 12-nautical mile territorial waters.
 
Acceding to the STCW-F Convention will empower the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to enforce training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for all foreign fishing vessels of 24 meters or more entering Fiji’s ports and operating within Fiji’s EEZ.
 
This oversight, under port state control measures, will significantly enhance maritime safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents and incidents in Fiji’s Search and Rescue (SAR) region.
 
3. Policy Reforms for Water Authority of Fiji E-services
Cabinet endorsed policy reforms to enable the provision of e-services by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).
 
Necessary legislative amendments will be made to allow for:
· acceptance of upfront online payments;
· acceptance of digital inputs and digital outputs, such as certificates, compliance reports and letters;
· regularisation of WAF’s Fees and Charges; and
· implementation and regularisation of Liquid Trade Waste matters which are waste water discharge from commercial and industrial business process and is distinct from human sanitary waste water.

4. Cooperation Agreement with the International Finance Corporation
Cabinet endorsed a Cooperation Agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) under IFC’s Fiji Enabling Investment Environment Programme.
 
The support from IFC is aimed primarily at improving Fiji’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations and operational processes.
The total contribution from IFC under this Agreement is USD$80,000.
 
5. Development of a Legislative Framework for the Kava Industry
Cabinet endorsed that a feasibility study be undertaken on the need for a legislative framework to govern the local Kava Industry.
 
A Kava Bill (Bill) was tabled in Parliament in 2016, but was not carried forward and subsequently lapsed. This means that currently, there is no specific legislation to govern the Kava industry to enable the industry to grow.
 
The feasibility study will build on the foundation of the Kava Bill 2016 and identify existing gaps and inconsistencies to develop a robust and inclusive legislative framework for the kava industry.
 
6. Consultation on Civil Aviation Master Plan for Fiji 2026 – 2031 and Implementation Plan
Cabinet agreed that consultations be undertaken on the Civil Aviation Master Plan for Fiji 2026 – 2031 and its Implementation Plan.
 
The objectives of the Civil Aviation Master Plan 2026-2031 are to:
 
· Strengthen Aviation safety and security oversight;
· Improve aviation infrastructure and navigation systems;
· Environmental sustainability and climate resilience;
· Capacity building and skills for aviation workforce;
· Foster innovation and Digital transformation;
· Expanding domestic and international connectivity and services; and
· Institutional effectiveness.
 
The outcome of the consultations will be brought to Cabinet for its consideration.
 
7. Preparation of Regional/National Inventory of Banks of Used or Unwanted Controlled Substances
Cabinet endorsed a Small-Scale Funding Agreement with the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) for the ‘Preparation of Regional/National Inventory of Banks of Used or Unwanted Controlled Substances’ project.
 
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) establishes a timetable for phasing-out various Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and phasing-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) consumption under the Kigali Amendment.
 
The Protocol requires Parties to control production and consumption in accordance with phase-out schedule of ODSs and phase-down schedule of HFCs.
 
The project aims to establish national and regional inventory of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances across 13 Pacific Island Countries, including Fiji.
 
It will also develop a strategic plan for the collection, transport, and disposal, considering recycling, reclamation, and cost-effective destruction tailored to the Pacific context.
 
8. Amendments to the Environment Management Act 2005 and the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007
 
Cabinet endorsed the first phase of amendments to the Environment Management Act 2005 (Act) and the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 (Regulations).
 
The Act and Regulations will be amended to allow for the streamlining and digitisation of the EIA process.
 
The amendments will also allow for the strengthening the clarity of institutional roles and embedding digitisation efficiency, transparency, and compliance monitoring.
 
9. Review of Finance Instructions 2010
Cabinet endorsed the review of the Finance Instructions 2010 (FI2010).
 
The Financial Management Act 2004 (FMA) is the ‘Principal Act’ enacted in Parliament in January 2005 that regulates the Public Financial Management (PFM) systems of the state which covers general financial management, the consolidated fund, resource allocation and accountability. The Act has supporting regulations which includes the FI2010.
 
The proposed amendments to the FI2010 are expected to include, amongst others, expanding the scope of the FI to make it more comprehensive and reformulating the processes and standards specifying actions that would lead to:
·      improving fiscal and budget outcomes, sustainability, comprehensiveness, and budget credibility;
·      contributing to good governance in terms of effectiveness, transparency and accountability, and efficiency;
·       responding to emerging development priorities of the government; and
·      emulating good practices in public financial management, and prepare for the adoption of or adaptation to international standards/frameworks).
 
10. Amendments to the Town Planning Act 1946
Cabinet endorsed the first phase of amendments to the Town Planning Act 1946 and town planning regulations.
 
The first phase of amendments is to streamline and structure the development process.
 
The six key areas which will be amended to improve efficiencies of the development process are as follows:
 
Restriction on carrying out of development after constitution of town planning areas:
· Certificate of Compliance and Occupancy of Permits for Building Application;
· Schedule of Development Application Fees;
· Removal of Manual Development Application Forms;
· Major Development Applications to require consent from the Director of Town and Country Planning; and
·  Security of documents and e-signatures.
 
Consequential amendments will also be made to the Public Health Act 1935.
 
11. Review of Fiji’s Civil Aviation Primary Legislation
Cabinet endorsed the review of the three civil aviation primary legislation namely, the Civil Aviation Act 1976, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Act 1979, and the Civil Aviation Reform Act 1999.
 
A new Civil Aviation Bill will be finalised to repeal and replace the existing three Acts with a single, modern law that comprehensively governs aviation safety and economic regulation for current and future needs.
 
The consolidation of the three existing Acts into a new Bill is expected to eliminate duplication, ensure clarity, and align Fiji’s civil aviation system with international best practice.
 
12. National Privacy and Personal Data Protection Policy and Complementary Efforts to Safeguard Data Protection
Cabinet endorsed the National Privacy and Personal Data Protection Policy.
 
The policy outlines a comprehensive framework for safeguarding personal information and upholding privacy rights in Fiji.
 
It facilitates establishing appropriate safeguards for processing special categories of personal data to prevent any negative impacts on individuals and offers enhanced protection for the processing of personal data related to children.
 
The policy lays the foundation for the development of a National Privacy and Personal Data Protection legislation.
 
Fiji will also take steps to become party to the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (also referred to as Convention 108+).
 
13. Fiji’s Initial State Report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
 
Cabinet endorsed the submission of Fiji’s First Report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
 
Fiji is a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and is required to submit to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an Initial Report and thereafter Periodic Reports outlining the measures that Fiji has taken to give effect to its obligations under the CRPD and on the progress made in that regard.
 
14. Collaborative Service Agreement on Evaluating an Alternative Approach to Sector Development in Pacific Island Countries Project
 
Cabinet endorsed a Research Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia, represented by Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) on the Project titled ‘Evaluating an Alternative Approach to Sector Development in Pacific Island Countries’ (Project).
 
The Project aims to support the development and strengthening of smallholder agricultural sectors in Fiji by researching, defining, trialling, and evaluating innovative approaches to inclusive, market-driven value chain redesign and improvement in the Tilapia and beekeeping sectors.
 
Under the project, the Ministry of Fisheries will focus on implementing the Tilapia aquaculture agribusiness, while the Ministry of Agriculture will focus on beekeeping business.
 
15. Student Progression and Retention Policy
Cabinet endorsed the Student Progression and Retention Policy in Fiji’s primary and secondary school system.
 
The Policy will serve as a key criterion for schools to gauge student progress and make recommendations to parents for a collaborative decision-making process where the agreement of students, parents, teachers, and the Head of School will be paramount for decisions regarding a student repeating a term with strict monitoring, or progressing to the next level.
 
Students will be assessed and gauged based on the learning competency levels in literacy and numeracy.
 
Schools will implement proactive strategies, such as early intervention and support systems, to address barriers to retaining students in the school system, and special programmes will be designed by the Ministry’s Curriculum Advisory Services (CAS) and TVET Sections to support vulnerable groups, including students with disabilities, those from low-income families, and those at risk of dropping out.
 
16. Reintroduction of Scaling of External Examination Marks
Cabinet endorsed the reintroduction of scaling of marks across all National Examination levels commencing from the 2026 academic year.
 
The reintroduction of scaling aligns with international best practices, and supports national priorities.
 
It will also encourage students to enrol in challenging subjects such as STEM, computer studies, and commerce.
 
17. Review of the National Curriculum Framework 2013
Cabinet endorsed the review of the 2013 Fiji National Curriculum Framework (FNCF).
 
The review of the FNCF is essential to:
(i)      ensure that the education system remains effective, relevant and inclusive;
(ii)     meet the learning expectation of all students;
(iii)    benchmark to international standards of the 21st century;
(iv)    adapt and include lifelong learning;
(v)     improve monitoring, evaluation and the assessment of learning;
(vi)    integrate technology-based learning; and
(vii)   strengthen a responsive curriculum.
 
A Taskforce has been established to oversee the initial planning for the FNCF review.
 
18. National Research Council
Cabinet endorsed the appointment of the National Research Council (NRC).
 
The NRC will:
(i) assist Fiji in dealing with the challenges of a modern, knowledge-driven economy;
(ii) drive sustainable growth, and elevate the Fiji’s global competitiveness by funding high-impact research aligned with development goals
(iii) provide independent, evidence-based advice to inform government policymaking;
(iv) promote and evaluate government-funded research across various domains, including science, health, education, indigenous research, heritage, technology, and socio-economic sectors;
(v) consolidate research needs across government ministries and foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and
(vi) cultivate a research-oriented national culture and position Fiji as a regional leader in knowledge creation.
 
The NRC will be appointed in line with the relevant provisions of the National Research Council Act 2017.
 
Fiji to host Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026
 
19. Cabinet agreed that the Miss Pacific Island Pageant 2026 be hosted in Fiji.
Fiji will host the pageant after a lapse of 7 years.
 
The pageant is expected to:
· Promote Pacific Culture;
· Provide a Platform for Female Leadership and Advocacy;
· Foster Regional Harmony – it brings together 12 Pacific nations, strengthening cultural ties and collaboration; and
· Emphasise Intelligence and Talent.
 
A Miss Fiji Pageant 2025 will also be held at the end of this year, and the winner of this pageant will represent Fiji in the Miss Pacific Island Pageant 2026.
 
20. Report on the Functional Review of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector and the Justice Sector Reform Roadmap
Cabinet endorsed the Final Report on the Functional Status of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector, and the accompanying Roadmap for reform of the sector.
 
The Roadmap is structured around seven reform pillars:
Justice System Efficiency;
Anti-Corruption & Oversight;
Registry & Legal Identity Modernisation;
Access to Justice & Legal Inclusion;
Law Enforcement & Rehabilitation;
Legislative Reform & Coordination; and
Community Engagement & Legal Awareness.
 
A Justice Summit will be held to socialise the reports and roadmap, garnish wider support from Technical Partners and consolidate possible external funding mechanisms to implement the Roadmap.