Former Fiji rugby sevens Olympian and Flying Fijian Isake Katonibau has called for national sports representatives to be formally recognised as workers under the proposed Work Care Bill 2025.
In a live submission to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Katonibau emphasised the need to acknowledge the contributions of athletes, who, like military personnel, are officially selected, trained, and deployed under government authority.
He highlighted the risks and injuries athletes face without adequate protection or inclusion in key policies.
Katonibau, also a military peacekeeper, contrasted the support he receives when injured in service with the lack of coverage for fellow athletes.
He urged policymakers not to change the bill, but to expand its definition of workers to include national athletes.
More in tomorrow’s edition of The Fiji Times.
