Mr Speaker Sir,

I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Standing Committee on the review of the Consumer Council of Fiji’s Annual Reports for the financial year 2019-2020, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 that was tabled in Parliament on 14 March 2025.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the work done by the Standing Committee in reviewing the Annual Reports. I commend the Committee for their dedication to upholding the interests of consumers and supporting the Council’s mandate of safeguarding consumer rights in Fiji.

Most importantly, I thank the Board and Management of the Consumer Council of Fiji (‘Council’) for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in championing the rights and welfare of Fijian consumers.

Mr. Speaker Sir,

During the pandemic, the Council stepped up by providing clear information about consumer rights, tackling issues like price gouging, and ensuring essential goods remained available.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to highlight some major reforms/achievements that were undertaken during this reporting period:

• Digital Transformation – The Council focused on digital transformation with a new complaints management system, mobile app, upgraded ICT infrastructure and enhanced use of national consumer helpline. This ensured that consumers could lodge and track complaints remotely – even taking the services to the consumers doorstep.
• Modernisation – With the support of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Council revamped its website to provide enhanced user experience and digital engagement.
• Policy development – Council drafted the National Policy on Maritime Travellers Rights, signed an MOU with LTA to improve coordination on transport related complaints and enforcement.
• Consumer Advocacy – staff worked tirelessly to assist consumers to obtain moratorium or debt restructure as most people did not have an income to meet their repayments.
• Launch of 2023-2028 Strategic Plan – forged new partnerships with Vodafone Fiji Limited and Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance consumer outreach, digital literacy, and business compliance with consumer protection standards.

Mr. Speaker Sir,

I wish to acknowledge the Council for their tireless efforts in addressing the E- ticketing problems raised by consumers with Vodafone through the E-Ticketing Taskforce. I wish to inform this August House that the Consumer Council of Fiji has been able to lobby for the balances in the lost e- ticket cards to be transferred to the consumer’s new card.

To date, the Council is the secretariat for the Anti- Scam taskforce chaired by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development. An Anti-Scam Awareness Week was held successfully from 6-7 October to educate and safeguard people from scammers and fraudsters.

The Council is also working with UNCDF in drafting a scam legislation which aims to strengthen consumer protections against fraudulent schemes and deceptive practices. This legislation will provide clear legal frameworks for identifying, reporting, and penalising scammers, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and safety in the marketplace.

We are also progressing with the review of the Consumer Credit Act to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect consumers from predatory lending practices, and ensure that credit services in Fiji are transparent, fair, and responsibly managed.

In closing, Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to reiterate my sincere appreciation for the Consumer Council of Fiji’s tireless efforts and important achievements over these challenging years. From navigating the pandemic with innovative digital solutions to championing vital consumer protections and policy reforms, the Council has proven its vital role in safeguarding the interests of every Fijian.

Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.