PARLIAMENT has been urged to defer the ratification of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance (Veitacini Treaty) until the Government addresses concerns over sovereignty, national security and Fiji’s independent foreign policy.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence Lenora Qereqeretabua made the recommendation when presenting the committee’s review report in Parliament yesterday.
The committee said both treaties offered opportunities for economic development, infrastructure, health, education, climate resilience and regional cooperation, but warned that these benefits had to be weighed against their legal, constitutional, financial and strategic implications.
“The committee’s deliberations identified substantive concerns specific to each treaty, particularly regarding the preservation of Fiji’s sovereignty, independent foreign policy, national security, institutional accountability and long-term development interests,” Ms Qereqeretabua said.
On the Vuvale Union, concerns included Fiji’s ability to maintain relationships with other development partners, protection of critical infrastructure and sovereign data, and transparency around the proposed 10-year work plan and financial commitments.
Ms Qereqeretabua said regarding the Veitacini Treaty, the committee raised concerns over mutual defence obligations, foreign military presence, intelligence sharing and visiting forces arrangements.
The committee also highlighted the absence of comprehensive public consultation and said the Office of the Solicitor-General had not responded to written questions seeking legal clarification.
Ms Qereqeretabua said deferring ratification did not mean rejecting the treaties or Fiji’s friendship with Australia.
“Rather, it provides an opportunity to secure appropriate legal safeguards, clarify treaty obligations, disclose implementation arrangements and strengthen mechanisms for parliamentary scrutiny and democratic accountability.”
The committee recommended further negotiations with Australia before Parliament considers ratification.
