DECISIONS MADE AT THE 7TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON 6 MAY 2025

1. Cabinet to seek Opinion from the Supreme Court on the 2013 Constitution
Cabinet has agreed to seek an opinion from the Supreme Court on the interpretation and application of the amendment provisions of the 2013 Constitution.
 
Cabinet has also approved the engagement of Bret Walker, Senior Counsel (Mr Walker), for legal representation in the Supreme Court - Cabinet's Supreme Court Reference filed under section 91(5) of the 2013 Constitution.
 
Mr Walker is one of Australia's leading barristers, widely respected for his extensive legal experience and advocacy in constitutional, administrative and appellate law. 
 
2. Establishment of the Office of the National Security Assessments
Cabinet endorsed the establishment of an Office of the National Security Assessments.
 
The establishment of the Office is an important step to enhance the country's national security and defence capabilities.
 
The Office will provide advice directly to the Prime Minister and the government of occurrences that impact national security and integrity on a regular and ongoing basis.
 
The Office shall comprise the National Security Advisor, who shall be appointed by the Prime Minister.
 
3. Establishment of the Pacific Fuel Processing, Blending and Distribution Hub
Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a Taskforce to oversee the preliminary work and feasibility assessments on establishing the Pacific Fuel Processing, Blending and Distribution Hub in Fiji.
 
The Taskforce will be co-chaired by a senior Government representative and a representative from the private sector.
 
The proposed establishment of the Pacific Fuel Hub will directly respond to the key challenges identified by offering a multifaceted approach to fuel production, energy security, climate goals, economic growth and regional leadership.
 
It will also enable the local production of both conventional and green fuels, with plans to introduce biofuel blending and lay the groundwork for future e-fuel infrastructure, reducing reliance on imported fuels.
 
4. Recommendations Received Following the Fourth Review of Fiji’s Human Rights Record by the Universal Periodic Review Working Group on 22 January 2025
Cabinet has endorsed Fiji’s position on the 209 recommendations received following the fourth review of Fiji’s human rights record by the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 January 2025.
 
Fiji will support 181 recommendations and note 28 recommendations received by the UPR Working Group.
 
Fiji’s position will now be submitted for adoption at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council in June 2025.
 
The 209 recommendations were in relation to the following thematic areas:
 
·ratification of and accession to international instruments;
·cooperation with human rights mechanisms;
·National Human Rights Action Plan & implementation plans; National Human Rights Institution (NHRI);
·National Mechanisms for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF);
·Equality & non-discrimination; Liberty & security of the person;
·Good governance & corruption;
·Administration of justice & fair trial;
·Fundamental freedoms;
·Rights related to marriage & family;
·Human Trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery;
·Labour rights and right to work;
·Social security;
·Right to an adequate standard of living;
·Right to health;
·Right to education;
·Human rights & the environment;
·Right to development;
·Economic and political crisis, natural disasters or other emergencies;
·Inter-State cooperation and assistance;
·Women & girls;
·Violence against women;
·Children;
·Persons with disabilities;
·Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and intersex persons (LGBTI); and
·Migrants; and Refugees & asylum seekers.
 
The UPR is a member state driven process where every country’s human rights record is reviewed every four to five years. Fiji has been participating in the UPR process since 2010.
 
5. Letter of Agreement with Market Development Facility for Collaboration on National Organic Policy
Cabinet endorsed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with the Market Development Facility (MDF) for collaboration on the National Organic Policy.
 
The Ministry of Agriculture, with the support of the Pacific Community (SPC), has drafted a National Organic Policy to guide the development of organic agriculture in Fiji for the next ten years.
 
MDF will assist in the validation of the draft National Organic Policy, before the Policy is finalised for adoption.
 
6. Review of Environment Legislation
Cabinet has endorsed the review and amendment of relevant environment related legislation to ensure alignment with contemporary challenges and best practices in environmental governance.
 
The review is also to support an improvement to the ease of doing business.
 
A Technical Working Group comprising representatives from key government departments, legal experts and stakeholders from the private sector and civil society organizations, will be formed to inform the review process.
 
7. Host Country Agreement for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Cabinet endorsed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
 
International IDEA was established as an international intergovernmental organisation at a conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, on 27 February 1995, to provide expertise and support in areas such as election management, constitutional design and inclusive politics.
 
Hosting International IDEA in Fiji will promote the development of international legal order through electoral assistance. 
 
8. Agreement Between the Ministry of Housing, Housing Authority and Habitat For Humanity Fiji
Cabinet endorsed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Ministry of Housing (Ministry), Housing Authority, and Habitat for Humanity Fiji for the relocation of 23 families from the Veidogo Settlement, Vatuwaqa to Makosoi Development Estate Subject Land in Deuba (subject land).
 
Veidogo Settlement is situated at Viria East, Vatuwaqa, covering an area of 4.5297 hectares.
 
The Ministry of Housing had conducted a survey of the Veidogo Settlement in April 2024 with the aim of recording the number of households residing in the area, identifying those who have received eviction notices, and assessing the financial capability and willingness of residents to relocate, as well as their household preferences.
 
Apart from the relocation of the 23 families, options for the relocation of the remaining families are also being explored.
 
9. Review of the National Gender Policy 2014 and Validation of the Women’s Plan of Action
Cabinet endorsed the review of the National Gender Policy 2014 and validation of the Women’s Plan of Action Strategic Direction (2025-2030).
 
The National Gender Policy raises awareness on gender-related laws and agreements among decision-makers and the public, and promotes gender equality across all areas of development by removing institutional and social barriers.
 
The review of the 2017 Policy is expected to culminate in a new 5-Year National Gender Policy to guide gender equality work, with a revised Women’s Plan of Action to implement this policy, focused on the 3 thematic priorities and cross-cutting issues like health, leadership and gender data.
 
The Pacific Women’s Lead of the Pacific Community (SPC) will support the review process.