A heated discussion erupted in Parliament this morning over Fiji’s law reform process, with the Opposition questioning the Government’s consultation process, planning and capacity to properly review the country’s laws.
While delivering his statement, Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says the Fiji Law Reform Commission, re-established in 2023, is currently reviewing several laws, including the Civil Court Rules, High Court Rules, Magistrates’ Court Rules, Mining Act, Quarries Act, Online Safety Act, Security Industry Act and Human Trafficking Laws.
He says the Commission is also reviewing agriculture-related legislation dating as far back as 1877, as well as the Liquor Act 2006 and Liquor Regulations 2008.
Siromi - We are changing the laws Aug 19
Turaga says consultation is a fundamental part of responsible lawmaking and that several reviews were now moving through public consultation.
Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya says the Opposition supported the need for laws to be reviewed but challenged the Acting Attorney-General whether proper gap analysis, audits and consultation had been carried out before reforms were undertaken.
He questioned the Government’s approach to consultation, pointing to several bills which he claimed had not been thoroughly discussed with the public.
Koya - They don't consult people thorougly Aug 19
Koya specifically criticised changes to liquor licensing hours, saying the reduction in operating hours had raised concerns among small businesses that were still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He says the Government eventually reversed the decision, arguing the experience showed why the consequences of legislative changes needed to be properly identified through consultation before laws were amended.
Turaga also highlighted the review of Fiji’s electoral laws, saying the Commission had completed an electoral law reform package in 2025, including draft legislation and proposed changes to the country’s electoral framework.
