The decision by Fiji to withhold its grant to the University of the South Pacific (USP) is a matter where consensus ought to be reached for a resolution.

This was the statement made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday when queried if his government would urge Fiji to commit back to the university.

The Fijian Government, the largest contributor to the university, had stated that because of the lack of investigation into certain financial anomalies that did exist within USP, Fiji would not release its grant.

Prime Minister Albanese told the media in a press conference that there were different views by different parties on the issue.

“We understand there are strong differences of views between parties,” he said, clarifying it as a matter in which consensus ought to be reached.

“So, we hope that we can find a way through this.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has remained firm with Fiji’s position to investigate the matter.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has said that there needed to be an investigation into the issue because they were taxpayer’s money.

Penny Wong Commends Fiji’s Leadership

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, has praised the leadership of Fijian Prime Minister and Pacific Island Forum Chair Voreqe Bainimarama.

In an interview with the media yesterday, Minister Wong said Australia deeply valued its seat at the forum table.

“The forum is the heart of Pacific regionalism and the heart of the Pacific family. And the Australian Government takes our role and our responsibility seriously,” Ms Wong said.

“I wanted to express my thanks to Fiji and to the Prime Minister for his leadership in the region.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj