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Icongratulate the entire team of on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day’ and applaud all journalists and mediapersons who are working day and night to uphold the freedom of Press.

In the words of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, a free Press makes a stronger democracy. It is the multiplicity of ideas and human expression that makes us more vibrant as a society.

In the times of a global crisis such as the one brought upon us by the COVID-19 Pandemic, your role is all the more important to uphold the freedom of Press.

My best wishes to all the journalists and media-persons on their tireless efforts for reporting throughout the COVID19 Pandemic.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Fiji on their marvellous success in containing the outbreak in Fiji.

for keeping Fiji safe. n behalf of the Australian High Commission, I’d like to wish all members of Fiji’s media fraternity a happy World Press Freedom Day.

My team and I meet journalists regularly at events ranging from sports to Parliament sittings, high school graduations to Prime Ministerial visits – sometimes all in the same day. The professionalism and personal commitment of the media community here is impressive.

This day is an opportunity to reflect on how the work of the press carries enormous value in providing the public with a trusted source of information. This has never been more important as our two countries, and many others around the world, need timely and accurate information as we respond to this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

As vibrant multicultural democracies, Fiji and Australia both understand the importance of a media landscape which encourages robust discussion and supports the rights and freedoms of the media.

At its very best, journalists can generate national debate on important issues, help people form opinions, and hold organisations accountable for their actions.

for the work you do.