DECISIONS MADE AT THE CABINET MEETING HELD ON 19TH MARCH, 2024

The Peoples’ Coalition Cabinet held its fifth meeting of 2024 on Tuesday 19 March 2024.
 
The decisions made by Cabinet include the following:
 
Tripartite Delegation comprising Government, Employer and Workers’ Representatives to update the International Labour Conference on the corrective actions taken by the Coalition Government to restore compliance with ILO Conventions and Standards
 
Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s tripartite delegation to the upcoming 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3 to 14 June 2024.
 
The ILC is an annual ILO event that brings together representatives of governments, workers, and employers of ILO member States.
 
During this conference, broad labour policies are adopted by the ILO.
 
Tripartite group meetings are held before the ILC prior to the opening session to elect members of various Technical Committees.
 
As a member State, Fiji is obliged under the ILO Constitution to send a tripartite delegation to participate in the annual ILC.
 
The delegation will update the ILO on the progress made by Government in ensuring better employment relations post-pandemic and assistance provided to workers and employers.
 
The delegation will meet with the ILO Labour Standards team and will present Fiji’s response when called to the the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards and to the Committee of Experts on the Application of Standards and Recommendations (CEACR) on the corrective actions the Coalition government had taken since coming into office in implementing the recommendations of the ILO Committees.
 
Members of the delegation include:
 
a) the Minister of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Honourable Agni Deo Singh, as the Government delegate and head of the delegation;
 
b) the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (Permanent Secretary), as the second Government delegate;
 
c) a Senior Officer from the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations as the Government advisor for International Labour Standards reporting;
 
d) the Chief Executive Officer, Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, Mr. Jonetani Tonawai as delegate representing the Employers;
 
e) the National Secretary, Fiji Trade Union Congress, Mr. Felix Anthony as delegate representing the Workers; and
 
f) the designated representatives from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations Office in Geneva to support the delegation.
 
The delegation, will also meet with the ILO Director General and update him on the progress made by the coalition government in the following key areas:
 
1. reconstituting the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) in line with ILO Convention 144 (Tripartite Consultation) and the continuous and regular ERAB meetings since the Board was reconstituted;
 
2. the engagement of a Consultant via the ILO to review the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the work of the ERAB sub-committee in spearheading the consultative review process;
 
3. the amendment to the List of Essential Services under Schedule 7 of the Employment Relations Act 2007 (ERA)  to comply with ILO Conventions that Fiji has signed and ratified;
 
4. amendment of Section 111 (2) of the ERA to revert the time limit for reporting of employment grievances from 21 days to 6 months; and
 
5. a general report on tripartism and good faith discussion in workplace relations including the right to strike which is an option under the Employment Relations Act 2007 for workers and Trade Unions in dealing with workplace disputes.
 
Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Australia on Port Infrastructure and Services
 
Cabinet agreed that Fiji enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Australia on port infrastructure and services.
 
Australia has committed to provide assistance through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility in the Pacific (AIFFP) which will provide initial grant financing to the Fiji Government and the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited to support preparatory phases to improve the ports infrastructure and services. Australia will also provide grant financing to the Ministry of Public Enterprises for technical assistance.
 
The MOU will assist in the development of the shipbuilding sector through the development of Fiji’s port facilities.
 
The revival of the shipbuilding industry in Fiji has been articulated as a key priority for the Coalition Government. It has the potential to increase job opportunities, develop and expand specialised skill-sets amongst Fiji nationals and stimulate investment and economic growth.
 
Fiji Public Sector Learning Institute
 
Cabinet approved the establishment of the Fiji Public Sector Learning Institute (FPSLI). This will be done in consultation with the local universities on determining the best operating modality.
 
The Institute will focus on delivery of high-quality learning programmes targeted to the needs of the Fijian Civil Service and broader public sector workforce.
 
The Institute will be a learning organisation separate from the Civil Service that will eventually build a reputation for quality learning and be accepted as a ‘provider of choice’ by the Civil Service and the business community.
 
The Institute’s primary purpose will be to provide high-quality, future-focused learning to ensure the Civil Service has a skilled and experienced workforce to build a strong future for Fiji. The Institute will:
 
●  partner with ministry training and Human Resource staff to identify training needs which can be supported.
●  Providing advice to the Public Service Commission on learning needs of the Civil Service and deliver targeted training,
●  reintroduce Service Exams,
●  provide training on Customer Service, Statutes and Legislations, Governance and Leadership, Public Administration and Management, Human Resources Management and high-quality courses for Fiji's Foreign Service officers,
●  in future offer fee-for-service programmes to other domestic organisations and public sector organisations in the Pacific, especially small island states,
●coordinate learning programmes, scholarships and professional development opportunities funded by development and other partners,
● establish partnerships with training providers to facilitate access to a wide range of learning opportunities and resources, and
●monitor and evaluate the impact of learning programmes and training delivery on Civil Service performance.
 
The Institute is initially expected to be funded by Government, as well as assistance from our development partners, with eventual progression towards a self-sustaining model.
 
Review of the Pesticide Act No. 41 of 1971
 
Cabinet approved the review of the Pesticide Act 1971.
The Pesticides Act 1971 provides for the registration and sale of pesticides in Fiji, and through its Regulation, establishes specific requirements for the registration and information that should be included in the labels of all pesticides available in Fiji.
 
Pesticides are products intended for use of controlling a pest which includes products such as Insecticides, Weedicides, Fungicides and so forth.
 
Although pesticides are essential in combatting pests of plant cultures and harvests, these products are also hazardous substances, and as such the trade and use of these pesticide products need to be controlled, through modern and enforceable legislation.
 
Pursuant to the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, pesticide legislation must regulate pesticides through their life cycle, from production, importation, distribution, commercialisation to disposal, including packaging, contributing to food safety by reducing the risk associated to pesticide residues and enhancing the safety of food products and workplace safety for farmers while protecting the environment. 
 
The importance of having enforceable pesticide legislation in place as a foundation for pesticide management is essential.
 
The review process and consultations will be spearheaded by a Working Group chaired by the Registrar of Pesticides.
 
The outcomes of the review including draft legislation will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.
 
Fiji to Bid to secure a licence to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) Premiership Competition with men and women rugby league teams in the 18th Extension Franchise
 
Cabinet agreed that Rugby League Bid (Fiji) Limited facilitate the bid to secure a licence to enter the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) premiership competition with men and women rugby league teams in the 18th extension franchise.
 
A successful bid would mean significant player opportunities and extensive profiling of Fiji that will bring major positive economic and social benefits for Fiji.
 
Cabinet also approved an official endorsement of the bid by Rugby League Bid (Fiji) Limited to be conveyed to the Australian Rugby League Commission by the Minister for Youth & Sports.
 
Cabinet also approved a 200% tax rebate to sponsors for Rugby League Bid (Fiji) Limited as currently awarded to sponsors of the Fijian Drua to be considered through the 2024 - 2025 Budget process.