Aust's $1.57b Vuvale funding awaits parliamentary ratification

Australia's $1.57 billion funding package and other benefits under the Vuvale Union will only take effect after Fiji's Parliament formally ratifies the agreement.

Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said he had received advice from Australian officials that funding and other provisions would commence only after the treaty was ratified.

"I've just been advised by someone within the Australian family that once ratified, that's when the funds and other parts of the provisions of the Vuvale Agreement kick in," Mr Turaga said.

He said the treaty was expected to be tabled during the next sitting of Parliament, scheduled for August-September.

The Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, also known as the Veitacini Treaty, were signed by Fiji and Australia on July 6. Both agreements must be ratified by Parliament under the 2013 Constitution before they come into force.

Mr Turaga said the treaties would first be referred to a parliamentary select committee for scrutiny before returning to the House for debate and a final vote.

The Vuvale Union is intended to deepen Fiji-Australia relations, while the Ocean of Peace Alliance gives effect to the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, an initiative championed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.