Opening Remarks
His Excellency, the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr. Peter Roberts,
Representatives from the Australian High Commission,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Honourable Ministers,
Senior Government Officials,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
First, I want to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, and pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and acknowledge their role in caring for the Vanua.
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
The launch of the Australia–Fiji Governance Partnership (AFGP) is a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between Fiji and Australia; it reflects our shared vision of cooperation and partnership. This partnership is a strategic initiative for the next four years valued at AUD $25 million. It is not simply a program but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to strengthening governance, advancing economic reform, and promoting democratic values.
This new phase of cooperation builds on the strong foundations laid by the Fiji-Australia Institutional Partnerships Program (IPP), which has demonstrated the power of bilateral collaboration through policy dialogue, technical support, and targeted investment. The Partnership will be delivered through its three integrated pillars: Civil Service Reform, Economic Governance, and the promotion of Democratic Norms and Values. This will provide support in the implementation of economic and civil service reform which aligns well with Fiji’s National Development Plan.
Together, we are shaping a future where governance is not only effective, but also responsive to the needs of our people. This is the essence of the Vuvale partnership, and it is through such cooperation that we will continue to build a stronger Fiji.
Furthermore, this partnership aims at enhancing cooperation between Australian and Fijian institutions in civil service, elections, taxation, statistics, and parliamentary support.
The launch of the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS) marked a key milestone in our reform agenda. It is rooted in our national vision for excellence in governance and service delivery.
This was made possible through strong collaboration between the Ministry of Civil Service, the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and our partners, particularly Australia.
Together, we are modernising government systems, strengthening performance management, and digitising core functions such as Human Resource and payroll.
These reforms are transformational in the way our civil service delivers to our people. Our civil service will be more efficient, more responsive, and more aligned with the needs of our citizens.
The Coalition Government remains firmly committed to a public service that delivers while maintaining ethical standards and driven by results.
Reform is not only about changing systems, but also about changing a way of thinking, the way an approach is made to an issue. Fostering a spirit of excellence, integrity, and service. And it is through partnerships like this that we continue to build stronger institutions, advance democratic values, and empower our people to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Let us move forward together, united in purpose and guided by the spirit of cooperation that defines our journey.
Vina’a va’alevu.