Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says the Australian Government is covering the costs of his participation in Palau, rejecting claims that Fijian taxpayers are funding his trip.
Seruiratu said he is not in Palau as part of the Fiji Government delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Instead, he is attending in his capacity as the Pacific Envoy for the Oceans for COP31, where he is supporting efforts to elevate the ocean-climate nexus and promote Pacific priorities ahead of the UN climate conference.
He said all costs associated with his participation are being covered by the Australian Government, and not the Fiji Government or Fijian taxpayers.
Seruiratu said his participation should not be interpreted as support for any particular recommendation arising from Fiji’s constitutional review process.
He said political differences should not prevent constructive engagement on matters affecting Fiji and the Pacific.
“Being in Opposition does not mean opposing every national or regional initiative simply because the Government is involved,” Seruiratu said.
He maintained that the Opposition would continue to scrutinise and hold the Government accountable while contributing to initiatives that advance Fiji’s national and regional interests.
Seruiratu said Fiji’s national interest must come before personalities, political speculation and political point-scoring.
