The New Zealand Defence Force is reviewing the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Act 1949.
This was revealed by the former Ministry of Defence, National Security and Policing to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence that reviewed the ministry’s 2017-2018 annual report in September last year.
The ministry said Cabinet had given its approval for the review.
“The ministry wishes to advise that approval from Cabinet has been given for the review of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Act 1949 in order to be up to par with the evolving security landscape,” said the ministry.
“A legal team from the New Zealand Defence Force will assist the OSG (Office of Solicitor General), RFMF and the ministry to carry out consultation in order to determine the articles in the legislation that need to be amended.”
At a hearing in September 2022, committee member Lenora Qereqeretabua asked the ministry’s Acting Deputy Secretary, Sainitiki Ravuso, if the review had a targeted timeline.
“At the moment, we have yet to receive any confirmation or timeline,” Ms Ravuso had said.
“They have gone back to New Zealand but we are waiting for a specific date for them to come back and then discuss.”
