The Australian Government is ready “to take up any views or concerns” of the Fijian Government regarding the relaxation of visa requirements into Australia.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Senator Marise Payne made the comment during a Fijian Media Association and Australian High Commission hosted press club lunch in Suva yesterday.

Senator Payne was asked whether visa-on-arrival was something Australia would consider for Fijians, something being undertaken by the European Union.

“Effectively, Australia has a universal visa system, so all non-citizens no matter where they come from will need a visa to enter and stay in Australia.

“This is predicated on our national security – that is to say, facilitates the movement of genuine travellers and residents, but it does serve to stop those who pose a security risk to Australia.”

As a former Minister for Defence, Senator Payne is well aware of the uncertainty and challenges of our time.

“But we are working very hard with our partners and our neighbours to streamline that system and I’m certainly very happy to take up any views or concerns of your Government or with the community here with my colleague the Australian Minister for Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.”

In regards to the PACER Plus Agreement, Senator Payne said Australia remains committed.

The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus is a regional development-centred trade agreement. It is a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) covering goods, services and investment.

When asked about why the Vuvale Partnership placed more money and emphasis on rugby league rather than rugby union, Senator Payne said “It’s a long and complex story.”

She emphasised that Australia would continue to work with Fiji across a wide range of sports.

Edited by Epineri Vula