Aust Minister Describes Fijian Acts ‘Selfless Heroism’

The Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Zed Seselja has acknowledged the heroic efforts of the 45 Fijian abattoir workers in Lismore.

These were the workers who saved about 60 aged care residents at the Lismore nursing home in Australia earlier this month.

Senator Seselja said the group’s selfless heroism was a potent symbol of the values both Australians and Fijians shared.

He also thanked Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for agreeing to reassign the 43 Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel to assist in Australia’s flood operations this year.

“They will work alongside 5000 members of the Australian Defence Force,” said Senator Seselja.

“This builds on Fiji’s support to Australia’s bushfire recovery in 2019 to 2020 and our partnership extends across the region.”

He said the Australian Forces were also assisting in other Pacific Island countries.

“Our forces have been working together in the Solomon Islands, alongside those from Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, to restore law and order and support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force,” he said.

“We’re working together on disaster relief in Tonga as well, after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that has done so much damage there.

“Our regional co-operation is particularly important at a time when the international rules-based order is under serious strain.”

Senator Seselja also appreciated Fiji’s stand in opposing Russia’s invasion on Ukraine.

“I thank Fiji for its robust and principled international position on Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine, and I acknowledge the collective position of the Pacific Islands Forum in response to this crisis,” he added.

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