National Counter Terrorism Bill in progress
FIJI is in the process of drafting a National Counter Terrorism Bill to develop a detailed framework to respond to and recover from any terrorist or violent extremist act in the country.
Yesterday, a three-day workshop centred on fine-tuning Fiji’s counter-terrorism framework began in Suva — with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), and international stakeholders from the United Nations, Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Permanent secretary for Home Affairs, Mason Smith said the consultation was an effort to revive Fiji’s counter-terrorism efforts going forward.
“As you would know, Fiji’s effort in trying to deal with counter terrorism goes a long way, since 2015,” he said.
“Terrorism knows no bounds and some of you will recall that on November 17, 2023, Cabinet agreed to revive Fiji’s counter terrorism efforts through the development of a national counter terrorism strategy and a bill.
“Since the Cabinet decision, several steps have been taken to ensure that Cabinet intent was operationalised.”
He said participants at the consultation would discuss and review the 13th draft of the National Counter Terrorism Bill.
According to Mr Smith, this draft Bill had gone through 13 iterations and numerous rounds of consultation.
“For us, I hope you will be able to put the finishing touches on this much needed Bill. Draft a strategy that will enable Fiji, in partnership with stakeholders, to prepare, prevent, respond, and recover from, God forbid, a terrorist attack.”
Meanwhile, Australian Federal Police (AFP) senior liaison officer, Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton said the workshop was an initiative of the Fijian Government and the ministry to revitalise counter terrorism framework in the country.
“The AFP has had a long history in country, over 20 years and unbroken, and our main partner, the Fiji Police Force obviously has a stake in whatever comes forward with regards to a counter terrorism framework,” he said.
“We also work very heavily with the ministry and just to make sure that we are there as partners and friends. Australia has a long history in combatting terrorism and preparing for the worst but making sure that we are ready going forward.”
He added the other participants, especially from the US and New Zealand, would all have valid lessons to contribute to this forum.
“This has to be Fiji’s framework so I think it has to be built, influenced from outside for ideas, but it will be what suits Fiji. If you look at Australia’s framework, it’s a holistic approach across all areas of Government and even incorporates elements from the community.
“I think it’s that holistic approach from the community to the top levels of Government that is how you can incorporate a framework that can protect the community but also brings in everyone to fight the dangers of terrorism.” The workshop ends tomorrow.