Professor Anthony James Regan, a Constitutional Law expert at the Australian National University (ANU), highlighted the essential role of public consultation and careful constitutional design in the nation-building process for Fiji. During his talk at the “Constitutional Change in Fiji: Looking to the Future” seminar, part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar Series at Fiji National University, he emphasized that the design of a constitution and the decisions surrounding it are particularly significant in contexts of colonialism, postcolonialism, and in efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Professor Regan noted the importance of including a diverse range of interest groups and ensuring that ordinary citizens understand both the constitutional process and the constitution itself. He pointed out that when constitutions are crafted through elite negotiations or are imposed by specific groups, they are unlikely to address the diverse needs of the population effectively.
He referenced the inclusive processes followed in the development of Fiji’s 1997 Constitution and the incomplete 2012 Constitution for Bougainville, stating that these examples benefited from broad participation in their creation. His research focuses on the links between constitution-making, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, especially within the Pacific and selected Asian countries.
In addition to his research, Professor Regan is responsible for teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervising PhD candidates, and fulfilling various administrative roles.
Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Vice-Chancellor of Fiji National University, emphasized that national universities should prioritize addressing national issues through their teaching, research, and public discourse. She stated that these institutions play a vital role in tackling challenges such as climate change and promoting cultural heritage.
“National universities are dedicated to pursuing all forms of knowledge, including seminars and exchanges that address critical national issues,” she remarked, expressing pride in Professor Regan’s participation in the event.
The seminar drew a distinguished audience, including Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, government ministers, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary, and various dignitaries and professionals from the legal and security sectors, as well as members of the public.