DECISIONS MADE AT THE 9TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON 3 JUNE 2025

1. National Security Strategy
Cabinet approved the National Security Strategy 2025-2029 (NSS).
 
The NSS was developed based on the recommendations of the National Security and Defence Review (NSDR).
 
The role of the NSS is to:
(i) define Fiji’s national security priorities by articulating Fiji’s national security objectives and identify priority threats and challenges;
(ii) guide government policy and decision making by setting policy direction allowing resources and efforts to be directed to national security priorities;
(iii) strengthen whole-of-government and whole of nation approaches by promoting inter-agency coordination and a more cohesive security architecture; and
(iv) enhance civil-military relations by reinforcing democratic oversight and defining roles and responsibilities in the security sector.
 
2. Amendment No. 2 to the Direct Funding Arrangements between the Governments of Australia and Fiji in relation to the Fiji Social Infrastructure Programme
Cabinet endorsed amendments to the grant funding Arrangement for the Fiji Social Infrastructure Programme signed with the Australian Government.
 
The amendments outlined in an ‘Exchange of Letter’ will enable the Fiji Government to access additional AUD2 million in grants from the Australian Government.
 
The Australian and Fiji Governments entered into a Direct Funding Arrangement (DFA) for the Fiji Social Infrastructure Programme (FSIP) in 2024 to the amount of AUD22.25 million.
 
The goal of the FSIP is to deliver quality, inclusive and climate resilient school and health infrastructure that is locally made and aligns with both the Ministries of Health and Education Strategic Plans.
 
The first amendment to the FSIP DFA in January 2025 to support the implementation of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital Priority Infrastructure Plan and carry out critical and urgent capital works, increased the programme total to AUD32,250,000.
 
The second amendment to the FSIP DFA increases the FSIP budget by an additional AUD 2 million, bringing the programme total to AUD 34,250,000. The additional funding will be utilised exclusively for invoices related to the programme activities.

3. Establishment of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Function of the Government
Cabinet endorsed the adoption of a whole of Government Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) function with the setting up of a MEL Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
 
The MEL Unit will monitor and evaluate the delivery Government policies, programmes, and achievements.
 
A MEL framework will be developed in consultation with relevant line agencies to clearly demarcate the role and functions of the MEL Unit.
 
4. Hosting of the Pacific Immigration Development Community Regular Annual Meeting in June 2026
Cabinet agreed that Fiji host the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) Regular Annual Meeting in June 2026.
 
PIDC serves as an official forum for Immigration Directors across the region, including Australia and New Zealand.
 
Hosting the meeting in 2026 is a demonstration of Fiji’s leadership and dedication to regional immigration collaboration, as well as border security, combating human trafficking and enhancing immigration governance across the region.
 
5. Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Security and the Five Implementing Arrangements with the Government of Australia
Cabinet endorsed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Maritime Security and the five Implementing Arrangements (IAs) with the Australian Government for the provision and support of the Guardian-Class Patrol Boats (GPBs).
 
The initial MOU for the provision and support of the GPBs was signed in 2020.
 
Under the new MOU, Australia’s support will focus on enabling availability of Fiji’s assets including an approximate funding of A$4 million per year for planned maintenance of Fiji’s GPBs. This is an increase of A$1.5 million under the current arrangements.
 
In addition to the A$4 million, Australia will continue to fund fuel and victuals for Fiji's participation in regional multilateral exercises and operations, totalling to A$480,000. 
 
6. Review of the Land Use Act 2010
Cabinet endorsed the review of the Lands Use Act 2010 (Act).
 
The main objectives under the Land Use Act 2010 include:
 
(i) the utilisation of designated iTaukei land for purposes that are in the best interest of the land-owning units (LOUs) upon 60% written consent of relevant iTaukei LOUs who are 18 years and above;
 
(ii) the utilisation of designated State land for purposes that achieve optimal return to the State; and
 
(iii) to provide longer tenure of leases for progressive developments of the agricultural and commercial sectors.
 
The review is to address issues and challenges faced by the Land Use Division, as well as to allow for more investments and improved productivity. 
 
7. Consultations on Mandatory Implementation of Scouts, Girl Guides, and Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Programme in Primary and Secondary Schools
 
Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a committee to coordinate and conduct consultations on making Scouts (and Cubs), Girl Guides (and Brownies), and Duke of Edinburgh International Awards (DEIA) mandatory extracurricular activities in all schools in Fiji.
 
The committee will report back to Cabinet with recommendations for implementing the programme, ensuring alignment with national education goals and fostering holistic youth development.
 
8. Non- Sugar Agriculture Sector Policy 2025 - 2035
Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s Non–Sugar Agriculture Sector Policy 2025 – 2035.
 
The policy provides high-level direction to the Non-Sugar Agriculture Sector in Fiji, facilitating the complete realisation of the potential inherent in Fiji's agricultural industry through a transformative strategy.
 
The four primary goals for the policy are to:
 
(i) increase the contribution of non-sugar agriculture to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP);
(ii) increase the number of small-scale farms transitioning to semi-commercial farming;
(iii) strengthen the non-sugar agriculture sector's resilience against climate change; and
(iv)  ensure food security for all citizens of Fiji.
 
9. Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Cabinet endorsed the revised Fiji National Disability Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
 
The revised policy is for all stakeholders who aim to improve the lives of persons with disabilities through a human rights-based approach.
 
It provides a comprehensive framework for disability equity and rights, improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities, recognizing diversity and to increase their meaningful, full and effective participation in an inclusive society.
 
10. Plastic Pollution Reduction and Management for Recovery
Cabinet endorsed the execution of the Small Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA) with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the project titled ‘Emergent plastic pollution reduction and management for recovery from the livelihoods and health crisis (Thailand and Fiji)’ (Project).
 
The overall project in Thailand and Fiji has been allocated a budget of US$1,079,136, with approximately US$300,000 allocated for activities in Fiji.
 
The project is expected to improve local livelihoods and promote resilience of local communities by:
· providing immediate support to enhance the national policy and regulatory framework;
· sub-regional policy measures;
· improve public-private partnership to support policy implementation; and
· create enabling environment and conditions to facilitate a just transition towards circular economy, with the ultimate goal to mitigate the adverse impact of plastic pollution.
 
The project implementation is expected to conclude by 31 March 2026.
 
11. Promoting Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency in Plastic Value Chains in Fiji Project
Cabinet approved the execution of the Memorandum of Project Agreement (MOPA) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for the project titled ‘Promoting Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency in Plastic Value Chains in Fiji’ (Project).
 
The project will contribute to Fiji’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development through the promotion of circular economy and resource efficiency practices in plastic value chains, in order to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution.
 
The project is funded by the Government of Japan amounting toJPY579,000,00 (equivalent to USD 3,884,603.64).