The Australian Government is to provide A$54 million over four years for a Pacific Land Program to support governments in the region that wish to strengthen or improve their land systems.

Mr Urwin made a very significant contribution to the development of Australia’s relations with Pacific countries and to the advancement of regional cooperation in the Pacific throughout his distinguished career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and, subsequently, as Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

The Australian High Commission reiterates Australia’s support for the Pacific Regional Disaster Management Meeting currently being held in Nadi. Australia has no objections to the arrangements put in place for the meeting, including the appointment of Ratu Epeli Ganilau as Chair, and is pleased that the meeting is proceeding today.

The involvement of the leaders of the private sector in the fight against the spread of HIV, ignorance and discrimination is absolutely essential according to Steven Vete, UNAIDS Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV and Development (APLF) Sub regional Coordinator.

The Fiji Australia Business Council (FABC) has today entered into a partnership agreement with UNAIDS and a funding agreement with the Australian Government to establish a Fiji Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS.

People living in Matuku, Natewa and Kabara will have access to professional health treatment following Australia’s donation of three new boats to Fiji’s Ministry of Health today.

In partnership with the Fiji-Australia Business Council and UNAIDS, the Australian aid program is supporting the establishment of the Fiji Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS. The Coalition will assist businesses around Fiji prevent and reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on business and private sector employees in the country, for example in implementing workplace policies.

Media release regarding Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith's visit to Fiji on 14th July