Fiji is working with Australia to strengthen its mining sector, modernise land services and develop workforce skills as the Government advances a major reform agenda.
Fiji’s Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, led a delegation on an Australian Government-supported ministerial visit to Brisbane and Canberra from 14 to 18 September.
The delegation, accompanied by Fiji’s High Commissioner to Australia Ajay Amrit, held discussions with Australian government agencies, industry bodies and academic institutions on practical support for Fiji’s reforms.
In Brisbane, the delegation met stakeholders across mining, land administration and natural resources, including BDO, with discussions focusing on Fiji’s proposed Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill.
The talks examined international and Pacific experience in regulating mining, with mineral ownership and customary interests identified as areas requiring further consultation.
Meetings with the Queensland Government covered digital land records, geological mapping and coordination of major projects, while Trade and Investment Queensland explored workforce training, recognised qualifications and potential engagement with TAFE.
The delegation also discussed opportunities in tourism investment, agricultural diversification and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Engagement with the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation focused on approaches to community consultation and benefit-sharing in resource development.
In Canberra, Vosarogo held bilateral meetings with Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland and Resources Minister Madeleine King, as well as receiving a briefing from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also met briefly with Vosarogo during the Canberra programme.
The delegation visited Australian Parliament House, met Australian National University Professor Peter Yu and travelled to Geoscience Australia for technical discussions on geological data systems.
Vosarogo said the visit demonstrated the strength of the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia and would help translate Fiji’s reform agenda into practical outcomes.
“Fiji is building the legal and institutional foundations for a mining sector that works for our people and our future generations,” Vosarogo said.
He said Australian expertise and support would assist Fiji as it develops its new Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill and reviews its land laws.
“With Australia’s support and shared expertise, we are confident we will get this right for Fiji, and for the generations who will inherit the benefits of these reforms,” he said.
The Fiji delegation returned home on 18 September, with outcomes from the visit expected to inform continued technical cooperation between Fiji’s Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and its Australian counterparts.
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