Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has challenged the Opposition to win back public support if it wants to return to government, telling Parliament that the Coalition Government has a mandate to govern and implement its legislative agenda.
Speaking during debate on the Tourism Bill 2026 last week, Tuisawau defended the proposed legislation against criticism from Opposition members and rejected suggestions that the Government was forcing the Bill on industry stakeholders.
“Again, let me reiterate that the Coalition Government is a democracy – it is not a dictatorship which ended in December 2022 after 16 years,” Tuisawau said.
The Minister then turned his attention to the Opposition benches, questioning their political standing in Parliament.
“If you want to replace us, then reconfirm your government again. How many of you are here in the House anyway? So, there are about eight of you out of 55.”
The comments came as Opposition MPs continued to raise concerns about provisions in the Tourism Bill, including penalties and the availability of appeal mechanisms for operators affected by decisions made under the proposed law.
Tuisawau specifically responded to comments by Opposition MP Premila Kumar, who had argued there was no clear avenue for redress under the legislation.
The Minister said those claims were incorrect, pointing to provisions allowing affected parties to seek an internal review of decisions made by the Permanent Secretary.
“A person aggrieved by the decision of the Permanent Secretary may request an internal review.”
“She stated that there is no avenue for redress. This is the avenue for redress. I mean this government is operating a democracy not a dictatorship. Let me remind you of that.”
Tuisawau also dismissed criticism over a proposed $500 fine contained in the legislation.
“She said $500 fine was not enough. So, what do you want the fine to be, $5 million? Come on, $500 is just reasonable.”
The Minister further argued that the Bill was not being imposed on tourism operators without warning, noting that existing operators would be given a 12-month transition period to register under the new framework.
“It is not forced upon the operators. There is a period there, where they can consider this.”
The Tourism Bill 2026 is intended to modernise the regulation of Fiji’s tourism sector and establish a new framework for licensing and oversight of operators. Debate on the Bill continues in Parliament.
