Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/31/2026 23:06
DECISIONS OF THE 5TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON 31 MARCH 2026
STATE FUNERAL FOR THE FORMER PRESIDENT RATU EPELI NAILATIKAU
Cabinet endorsed the proposal to accord a State Funeral to the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the nation.
The late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau served Fiji in various high-level capacities, including Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Minister, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific, and Colonel of the Regiment.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs will lead and coordinate all arrangements in consultation with relevant stakeholders and the Vanua.
EXPANSION OF AIR SUBSIDY PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY AND TOURISM
Cabinet approved the expansion of the Domestic Air Services Subsidy Programme to include Bureta, Moala and Ono-i-Lau.
The expansion will introduce subsidised weekly air services to the three routes, improving access to essential services, supporting tourism, and strengthening socio-economic development in remote communities.
The programme will be implemented through a Government Tender Board process.
NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION MAKING ARCHITECTURE
Cabinet approved the reform of the National Security Council (NSC) and the establishment of a Senior Officials Committee on National Security (SOC).
The reforms are aligned with the National Security Strategy 2025-2029 and aim to strengthen national security decision-making, coordination, and governance.
The NSC will serve as the Government's principal decision-making body on national security and foreign policy, supported by the SOC and a dedicated secretariat within the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
FIJI'S ACCESSION TO THE ADVISORY CENTRE ON WTO LAW
Cabinet endorsed Fiji's accession to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), subject to Parliamentary approval.
The ACWL is an independent international organisation that provides legal advice, dispute settlement support, and capacity-building services to developing countries on matters relating to World Trade Organisation law.
Fiji's accession to ACWL will strengthen its ability to understand, interpret, and apply WTO agreements, and to effectively protect and advance its trade interests within the multilateral trading system.
The accession will be facilitated through the signing and deposit of a Protocol of Accession, with the one-time contribution to the ACWL Endowment Fund fully funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
FIJI-NEW ZEALAND 2026 - 2030 DUAVATA PARTNERSHIP
Cabinet endorsed the Fiji-New Zealand Duavata Partnership for 2026-2030.
The Partnership provides a framework to guide cooperation across key priority areas, including economic resilience, climate action, social wellbeing, and peace and security.
It builds on the strong bilateral relationship and will support coordinated implementation aligned with Fiji's national development priorities.
2026 MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT - CONTINGENCY FUND FOR EVACUATION
Cabinet approved a contingency funding of FJD $1.96 million to support the potential evacuation of Fijians from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider Gulf region, should conditions worsen.
There are 751 Fijian nationals currently residing across the Middle East and surrounding regions, with the largest populations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and among Fiji's military deployments in Sinai and the Golan Heights.
All Fijian nationals in these areas have been confirmed safe and accounted for.
The Government remains committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all Fijians abroad.
DECLARATION OF NAVUA AS A TOWN
Cabinet agreed that Navua be declared a Town in early 2026/2027 financial year.
The declaration recognises Navua's growth as a key commercial and administrative centre and will support improved governance, urban planning, and service delivery.
The transition will be supported through interim administrative arrangements, a Town Planning Scheme, and Government funding for infrastructure and services.
EXTENSION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FIRE BOUNDARIES
Cabinet approved the extension of existing National Fire Authority (NFA) fire boundaries and the establishment of new fire boundaries.
The expansion will enable the NFA to formalise service coverage in high-growth and high-risk areas, in response to increasing demand for fire and emergency services beyond existing municipal boundaries, thereby strengthening the protection of lives and property.
The expansion will cover key urban and peri-urban areas across Fiji, including Ba, Nadi, Suva, Nausori, Labasa, Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Savusavu, as well as new fire districts in Pacific Harbour, Nabouwalu and Taveuni.
RESERVE SEAT FOR LANDOWNERS IN MUNICIPAL COUNCILS
Cabinet approved amendments to the Local Government Act 1972 to provide for the inclusion of traditional landowners as reserved non-voting members in Municipal Councils.
The amendments will strengthen governance and consultation by ensuring that customary landowners are formally represented in council deliberations on matters affecting land use, infrastructure, and service delivery.
The reserved members will participate in discussions without voting rights, providing a structured mechanism for engagement, promoting inclusive decision-making, and supporting stronger coordination between councils and traditional communities.
The reforms will be supported through the development of regulations to guide implementation, including eligibility criteria, consultation processes, and the number of reserved seats per municipality.
TRANSFER OF MAINTENANCE FOOTPATHS, STREETLIGHTS AND NATURAL WATERWAYS WITHIN MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS
Cabinet endorsed the transfer of footpaths, streetlights, and maintenance of natural waterways within town boundaries from the Fiji Roads Authority and the Ministry responsible for Waterways, to Municipal Councils.
The transfer will enable Municipal Councils to assume responsibility thereby improving service delivery and responsiveness to community needs.
The reforms will streamline urban management by aligning responsibilities with Councils as the primary point of contact for residents, while supporting more efficient planning, maintenance, and infrastructure services.
URBAN WASTE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY MANAGEMENT
Cabinet endorsed comprehensive reforms to Fiji's solid waste management system. These include remediation of existing dump sites, development of a national waste management framework, and the piloting of a 'Two-Bin' waste segregation system in Sigatoka Town to support recycling and resource recovery.
The reforms will strengthen national coordination, improve waste management systems, and support the transition to an integrated and sustainable framework, including the establishment of a national Waste Management Authority to enhance governance and implementation.
HOSTING OF PRE-COP MEETING FOR THE 31ST CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
Cabinet endorsed Fiji hosting the 2026 Pre-COP meeting, supported by the Government of Australia, ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026.
The Pre-COP meeting will bring together global climate leaders to advance consensus on key negotiation priorities and elevate Pacific perspectives on climate change, ahead of formal COP31 negotiations.
Fiji's hosting reflects its leadership in climate diplomacy and will support regional efforts to strengthen advocacy on priority issues, including climate finance, ocean-climate linkages, and keeping global temperature targets within reach.
ASSESSMENT OF FIJI'S SECTORAL LOSS AND DAMAGE IN AGRICULTURE
Cabinet approved the execution of a Grant Agreement for the implementation of the project on 'Assessment of Fiji's Sectoral Loss and Damage in Agriculture'.
The project will assess climate-induced impacts on agriculture, particularly rice production, to inform policy, strengthen national capacity, and support climate resilience efforts.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Pacific Community, with funding support from the Government of Denmark, and will support Fiji's engagement with climate financing and international climate processes.
Cabinet endorsed the proposal to accord a State Funeral to the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the nation.
The late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau served Fiji in various high-level capacities, including Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Minister, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific, and Colonel of the Regiment.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs will lead and coordinate all arrangements in consultation with relevant stakeholders and the Vanua.
EXPANSION OF AIR SUBSIDY PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY AND TOURISM
Cabinet approved the expansion of the Domestic Air Services Subsidy Programme to include Bureta, Moala and Ono-i-Lau.
The expansion will introduce subsidised weekly air services to the three routes, improving access to essential services, supporting tourism, and strengthening socio-economic development in remote communities.
The programme will be implemented through a Government Tender Board process.
NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION MAKING ARCHITECTURE
Cabinet approved the reform of the National Security Council (NSC) and the establishment of a Senior Officials Committee on National Security (SOC).
The reforms are aligned with the National Security Strategy 2025-2029 and aim to strengthen national security decision-making, coordination, and governance.
The NSC will serve as the Government's principal decision-making body on national security and foreign policy, supported by the SOC and a dedicated secretariat within the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
FIJI'S ACCESSION TO THE ADVISORY CENTRE ON WTO LAW
Cabinet endorsed Fiji's accession to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), subject to Parliamentary approval.
The ACWL is an independent international organisation that provides legal advice, dispute settlement support, and capacity-building services to developing countries on matters relating to World Trade Organisation law.
Fiji's accession to ACWL will strengthen its ability to understand, interpret, and apply WTO agreements, and to effectively protect and advance its trade interests within the multilateral trading system.
The accession will be facilitated through the signing and deposit of a Protocol of Accession, with the one-time contribution to the ACWL Endowment Fund fully funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
FIJI-NEW ZEALAND 2026 - 2030 DUAVATA PARTNERSHIP
Cabinet endorsed the Fiji-New Zealand Duavata Partnership for 2026-2030.
The Partnership provides a framework to guide cooperation across key priority areas, including economic resilience, climate action, social wellbeing, and peace and security.
It builds on the strong bilateral relationship and will support coordinated implementation aligned with Fiji's national development priorities.
2026 MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT - CONTINGENCY FUND FOR EVACUATION
Cabinet approved a contingency funding of FJD $1.96 million to support the potential evacuation of Fijians from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider Gulf region, should conditions worsen.
There are 751 Fijian nationals currently residing across the Middle East and surrounding regions, with the largest populations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and among Fiji's military deployments in Sinai and the Golan Heights.
All Fijian nationals in these areas have been confirmed safe and accounted for.
The Government remains committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all Fijians abroad.
DECLARATION OF NAVUA AS A TOWN
Cabinet agreed that Navua be declared a Town in early 2026/2027 financial year.
The declaration recognises Navua's growth as a key commercial and administrative centre and will support improved governance, urban planning, and service delivery.
The transition will be supported through interim administrative arrangements, a Town Planning Scheme, and Government funding for infrastructure and services.
EXTENSION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FIRE BOUNDARIES
Cabinet approved the extension of existing National Fire Authority (NFA) fire boundaries and the establishment of new fire boundaries.
The expansion will enable the NFA to formalise service coverage in high-growth and high-risk areas, in response to increasing demand for fire and emergency services beyond existing municipal boundaries, thereby strengthening the protection of lives and property.
The expansion will cover key urban and peri-urban areas across Fiji, including Ba, Nadi, Suva, Nausori, Labasa, Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Savusavu, as well as new fire districts in Pacific Harbour, Nabouwalu and Taveuni.
RESERVE SEAT FOR LANDOWNERS IN MUNICIPAL COUNCILS
Cabinet approved amendments to the Local Government Act 1972 to provide for the inclusion of traditional landowners as reserved non-voting members in Municipal Councils.
The amendments will strengthen governance and consultation by ensuring that customary landowners are formally represented in council deliberations on matters affecting land use, infrastructure, and service delivery.
The reserved members will participate in discussions without voting rights, providing a structured mechanism for engagement, promoting inclusive decision-making, and supporting stronger coordination between councils and traditional communities.
The reforms will be supported through the development of regulations to guide implementation, including eligibility criteria, consultation processes, and the number of reserved seats per municipality.
TRANSFER OF MAINTENANCE FOOTPATHS, STREETLIGHTS AND NATURAL WATERWAYS WITHIN MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS
Cabinet endorsed the transfer of footpaths, streetlights, and maintenance of natural waterways within town boundaries from the Fiji Roads Authority and the Ministry responsible for Waterways, to Municipal Councils.
The transfer will enable Municipal Councils to assume responsibility thereby improving service delivery and responsiveness to community needs.
The reforms will streamline urban management by aligning responsibilities with Councils as the primary point of contact for residents, while supporting more efficient planning, maintenance, and infrastructure services.
URBAN WASTE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY MANAGEMENT
Cabinet endorsed comprehensive reforms to Fiji's solid waste management system. These include remediation of existing dump sites, development of a national waste management framework, and the piloting of a 'Two-Bin' waste segregation system in Sigatoka Town to support recycling and resource recovery.
The reforms will strengthen national coordination, improve waste management systems, and support the transition to an integrated and sustainable framework, including the establishment of a national Waste Management Authority to enhance governance and implementation.
HOSTING OF PRE-COP MEETING FOR THE 31ST CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
Cabinet endorsed Fiji hosting the 2026 Pre-COP meeting, supported by the Government of Australia, ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026.
The Pre-COP meeting will bring together global climate leaders to advance consensus on key negotiation priorities and elevate Pacific perspectives on climate change, ahead of formal COP31 negotiations.
Fiji's hosting reflects its leadership in climate diplomacy and will support regional efforts to strengthen advocacy on priority issues, including climate finance, ocean-climate linkages, and keeping global temperature targets within reach.
ASSESSMENT OF FIJI'S SECTORAL LOSS AND DAMAGE IN AGRICULTURE
Cabinet approved the execution of a Grant Agreement for the implementation of the project on 'Assessment of Fiji's Sectoral Loss and Damage in Agriculture'.
The project will assess climate-induced impacts on agriculture, particularly rice production, to inform policy, strengthen national capacity, and support climate resilience efforts.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Pacific Community, with funding support from the Government of Denmark, and will support Fiji's engagement with climate financing and international climate processes.
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