Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Kava Bill 2026 is not yet law and Fijians will have another chance to have their say before it is passed.
Rabuka made the clarification following public concerns over the Bill’s proposed registration requirements and penalties, and criticism that the Coalition Government has lost touch with ordinary Fijians.
He says the Bill has been introduced in Parliament and will be referred by the Speaker to the relevant Parliamentary Committee.
Rabuka says the Committee will conduct its own public consultations, hear submissions from people across the country and has the power to recommend changes to the proposed legislation.
He says those who have concerns about the Bill in its current form should make their views known during the Parliamentary Committee consultations.
The Prime Minister says after the Committee presents its report, the Bill will proceed to its third reading, where it will be debated before Parliament decides whether it should be passed.
Rabuka says the development of laws in Fiji involves consultation with the public, and concerns raised by people are considered when legislation is drafted.
He says the Kava Bill was developed following consultations with people involved in the industry, particularly on measures they believe are needed to protect the sector and prevent exploitation.
Rabuka says democracy requires consultation and laws should ultimately reflect what the majority of the country wants for an important industry such as kava.
He says the Government remains committed to transparent and inclusive law-making that puts the interests of ordinary Fijians at the centre of the legislative process.
