Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for improved government communication, emphasising that public trust and democratic participation depend on clear and consistent messaging.
While speaking at the launch of Fiji’s first-ever Government Communication Conference, Rabuka stressed that the government cannot succeed if it fails to communicate effectively with its citizens.
He says that, in today’s fast-moving information environment, public trust is constantly being tested, with governments worldwide under pressure to maintain confidence while countering misinformation.
The conference, held under the theme “Coordinate, Collaborate and Elevate”, is being hosted by the Ministry of Information with support from the United Kingdom Government and aims to improve standards across government communication.
The Prime Minister announced the launch of two key initiatives: the Fiji Government Communication Guidebook and “Sautu”, a framework designed to counter disinformation.
He explained that the guidebook is the new gold standard for daily operations from drafting press releases to preparing for press conferences or crafting social media campaigns.
He also explained that Sautu represents well-being, peace, and abundance, and reflects what the government seeks to protect when defending citizens from false and manipulative information.
INSERT: Rabuka on information 23rd Mar
The Prime Minister stressed that communication must be effective across all platforms and within every community.
He says communications officers carry enormous responsibility and serve as the critical link between the government and the people.
He also highlighted the importance of clear objectives, stating that communication must lead to measurable outcomes and urged participants to ensure their work delivers tangible results.
Rabuka says communicators should leave the conference with a clear understanding of the government’s goals, a commitment to using new tools, and a stronger sense of professional identity.
He also acknowledged growing cooperation with the United Kingdom and thanked them for their support in strengthening Fiji’s communication capacity.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya says that, for the first time, Fiji is convening a communications conference bringing together media liaison officers from across ministries, government agencies, and statutory authorities.
She says the aim is to equip participants with tools to communicate effectively and ensure information reaches the public.
She says that their vision and mission is for a well-informed Fiji, and that includes also countering disinformation and misinformation.
Tabuya acknowledged the role of the media, stating that information often appears in the media before government channels, which remains a challenge the government must improve on.
She says that there are also plans to include journalists in future conferences to strengthen collaboration.
When questioned on disinformation around elections, Tabuya stressed that the government hopes to strengthen laws, particularly around social media, to deter the spread of false information.
She says that both government communicators and the media must develop skills to identify deepfakes and manufactured content, stressing that working with the Fiji Media Association is a vital partnership in supporting a free press and delivering accurate information to the public.
