The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have unveiled a new Joint Work Program aimed at enhancing collaboration on border security.
The 2024-2025 Joint Work Program, signed by ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald and FRCS Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh in Suva, coincides with the first anniversary of the ABF’s establishment in Fiji and is a component of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.
Over the past year, the ABF has deployed two officers to Fiji as part of its Pacific Network, which has enabled close collaboration with local border agencies and the Oceania Customs Organisation. Their work has included conducting in-country workshops, training sessions, and joint operations, which have notably improved Fiji’s capability to tackle emerging border risks in maritime, aviation, and cargo sectors.
The collaboration emphasizes combating revenue leakage while promoting legitimate trade and travel, particularly through FRCS’s Gold Card initiative, designed to encourage compliant trade practices.
The ABF has also organized multi-agency visits to Australia, allowing FRCS officials to gain firsthand insights into Australia’s border management practices, which include maritime border command, container examination facilities, and the ABF’s Detector Dog Program.
The new Joint Work Program will build on these initiatives, focusing on enhancing capabilities in maritime security, intelligence operations, and improving screening processes for containers, cargo, and mail.
ABF Superintendent Uriah Turner stated that while significant progress has been made, more work remains. He expressed confidence that formalizing the partnership would ensure focused and effective efforts to address border security challenges, benefiting both nations.
Udit Singh, CEO of FRCS, expressed gratitude for the Australian Government’s and ABF’s commitment to bolstering Fiji’s border management and security. He highlighted the value of the partnership and the support received, which has enhanced FRCS’s core functions in border protection, security, trade facilitation, revenue collection, and compliance.
Singh noted that the formalization of the partnership would further empower FRCS in achieving its strategic goals of safeguarding borders from illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.