The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Fiji on Cooperation in the Field of Defence and the Status of Visiting Forces.

Media release issue date: Monday, 20 May 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on Monday, 20 May 2024 for its inquiry into the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Fiji on Cooperation in the Field of Defence and the Status of Visiting Forces. Committee Chair, Mr Josh Wilson MP, said the agreement ‘would recognise Fiji as a key strategic defence partner of Australia, build on the longstanding defence and broader bilateral relationship between our two countries, and further our shared vision for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.’ ‘The agreement would enable more frequent and sophisticated defence cooperation between Australia and Fiji. This includes working together on maritime security issues, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, co-deployments and the training of military personnel. The agreement would provide a comprehensive, reciprocal and legally binding framework for the status of visiting forces and civilians, and information sharing between the two countries.’ The Committee will hear from officials from the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Human Rights Watch. Public hearing details Date:               Monday, 20 May 2024 Time:               3:15 pm approximately Location:         Committee Room 1R4 The hearing can be accessed online and the program is available on the Committee’s website, along with further information about the inquiry. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823