DECISIONS MADE AT THE 20TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON 26 NOVEMBER 2024

The decisions of Cabinet at its meeting today include the following:
 
PRESIDENTIAL PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2024
Cabinet endorsed the Presidential Pensions (Amendment) Bill 2024 for tabling in Parliament.
 
The Bill amends the Presidential Pensions Act 1994 (Act) to align the President’s term of office from 5 years to 3 years, as stated in the 2013 Constitution.
 
The Presidential Pensions Act 1994 provides the legislative framework for the pension and other benefits of former Governor Generals and Presidents of Fiji.

ITAUKEI AFFAIRS (GREAT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2024
Cabinet has endorsed the iTaukei Affairs (Great Council of Chiefs) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.
 
The Regulations will enable the GCC to efficiently carry out its mandate to:
i. proactively advocate and have oversight on iTaukei interests and make decision on iTaukei matters;
ii. maintain and strengthen advisory functions in nation building, promote racial harmony, champion social cohesion, and acceptance; and
iii. advocate and set strategic directions on the following:
• good governance and leadership;
• economic empowerment;
• culture, tradition and heritage;
• resource ownership;
• education;
• health and well-being;
• environment;
• climate change; and
• violence against women and children.
 
ASIAN SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE CONTROL
Cabinet endorsed the expansion of the termite baiting programme.
 
Funding will be made available for baiting of homes with income less than $30,000 in the Western and Northern Divisions, including those living in squatter settlements in the red zones. AST spread is largest between Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and the surrounding areas.
 
The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will provide oversight and monitoring of the baiting programme.
 
The expansion of the termite baiting programme is part of a whole of Government approach in eradicating the infestation and addressing its associated problems, with other comprehensive strategies to be developed for further consideration.
 
The Office of the Prime Minister will continue to drive the termite baiting programme in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji.
 
AST has been in Fiji for more than 15 years and has caused massive damage to homes in red zones like Lautoka, Nadi and Labasa. There are also reported cases in Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and Nakasi.
 
ENGAGEMENT OF HONORARY CONSULS IN DIPLOMATIC FUNCTIONS
Cabinet endorsed the engagement of Honorary Consuls to represent Government in receiving States and to intergovernmental organisations located in those States, where Fiji has no physical presence.
 
The Honourary Consuls will be provided accreditation to meetings on a case-by-case basis, and the duration of engagement will be in accordance with specific timeframes.
 
The engagement of Honorary Consuls is part of Government’s strategy to maximise the value of existing capabilities and scarce resources, and is aligned to the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
 
CO-HOSTING THE SIXTH FORUM OF MINISTERS AND ENVIRONMENT AUTHORITIES OF ASIA PACIFIC IN FIJI
Cabinet agreed that Fiji co-host the 6th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific (6th AP Forum) in 2025.
 
The forum is a platform for governments, intergovernmental organisations, major groups, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions on regional environmental priorities and contribute regional perspectives to the outcomes of the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), scheduled for December 8 – 12, 2025 in Nairobi.
 
An Inter-Agency and Multi-Stakeholder Technical Working Group (TWG) will be appointed to ensure effective planning and preparation for the 6th AP Forum.
 
THE PACIFIC EARLY CAREER OCEAN PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT PROGRAMME
Cabinet approved the partnership arrangement between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Pacific Community (SPC), to implement the Pacific Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Placement programme.
 
Under the partnership arrangement, Pacific ECOP fellows will be based within the ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Foreign Affairs, and Fisheries.
 
SPC’s Pacific ECOP Network connects young professionals from the Pacific region working in various aspects of the ocean sector.
 
An ECOP is defined as an individual who has been working in their field for less than ten years and/or is under the age of 35, but the criteria are flexible and vary across disciplines and regions.

SUGAR INDUSTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL 2024
Cabinet endorsed the Sugar Industry (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Bill) for tabling in Parliament.
 
The Bill is an outcome of the review of the Sugar Industry Act 1984 (Act).
 
It allows for the reinstatement of the election process of members of the Sugar Cane Growers Council to ensure that growers’ views are not diluted and to allow them to raise issues which directly affect them.
 
FIJI CORRECTIONS SERVICE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH HIS MAJESTY’S PRISONS OF THE KINGDOM OF TONGA
Cabinet endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) and His Majesty’s Prisons Kingdom of Tonga (HM Prison).
 
The focus of the partnership arrangement is on technical capacity building, institutional strengthening, and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals to prepare them for successful reintegration into society.
 
The MOU will allow HM Prison to access the recruitment and cadet officer training provided by the FCS Naboro Training Academy.
 
A Bilateral Working Group will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing technical capacity-building programmes and other initiatives to achieve the objectives of the MOU.
 
REVIEW OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
Cabinet endorsed the review of legislation relating to agriculture.
 
The legislative framework governing agriculture in Fiji is essential for ensuring sustainable development, food and nutrition security, assisting in poverty alleviation, and the resilience of the rural and vulnerable communities.
 
The existing agriculture legislation is facing significant challenges due to dynamic shifts in the economy, geography, and climatic conditions.
 
The review is for better alignment to best international practices and reference standards as well as to the evolving agricultural landscape.
 
An extensive consultation process will be carried out during the review.
 
FIJI TO HOST THE 9TH PACIFIC TUNA FORUM IN FIJI
Cabinet endorsed that Fiji host the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum in 2025.
 
The Pacific Tuna Forum is a major biennial conference for the Pacific Islands and addresses critical topics such as tuna management, market opportunities, trade barriers, research and development of new products, and the broader prospects for the tuna industry in the Pacific.
 
The National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea will support the hosting of the Forum through an equal cost-sharing arrangement.
 
Fiji hosted the 5th Pacific Tuna Forum in 2015.