Financial assistance under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union Treaty will help lessen the burden on the Fiji Police Force as it works to respond to Fiji's changing criminal and security environment.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration, Aporosa Lutunauga while making a submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the proposed Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance Treaties.
Committee Deputy Chairperson Rinesh Sharma questioned whether Fiji would be able to maintain the infrastructure, technology and security systems being developed under the 10-year partnership.
Sharma says the Force is struggling with minor issues, with police officers facing difficulties fuelling their vehicles because fuel cards are blocked, and questioned how the Fiji Police Force would prioritise its budget commitments under the treaty.
In response, Lutunauga says the Fiji Police Force has plans in place for its fuel requirements and is satisfied with the budget provided by the Government.
He says the assistance being provided through the Vuvale Treaty will reduce the burden on the Force and allow them to better address issues emerging from Fiji's criminal and security environment.
Lutunauga says the Vuvale Treaty formalises an existing partnership between the Fiji Police Force and the Australian Federal Police and provides long-term support for policing and security cooperation.
He says the partnership includes a 10-year Police UPLIFT Programme focused on leadership, human resources, ethics and integrity, operational and enabling capabilities, strategic planning and communications.
He says the programme is aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of the Force and restoring public trust.
Lutunauga says Australia is also supporting the development of a permanent Fiji Police Force headquarters, with funding committed for the next four years.
He says scoping is also underway for a Centre of Excellence for Forensics.
He says the partnership will also provide support for the Police Mobile Force, Transnational Crime Unit, digital forensics, uniforms, boots and customised vehicles.
Lutunauga says the assistance will strengthen Fiji's ability to intercept illicit goods at its borders and ports, with support for container screening in Lautoka and Suva, intelligence sharing, surveillance and joint operations targeting drug trafficking and organised crime.
Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union Treaty will ease financial burden on Police - Lutunauga
