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 agreement for the 2024-2025 Joint Work Program was signed by ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald and FRCS CEO Udit Singh in Suva, coinciding with the first anniversary of the ABF’s operations in Fiji and aligning with the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.
Over the past year, the ABF has placed two officers in Fiji as part of its Pacific Network. These officers have worked closely with local border agencies and the Oceania Customs Organisation, organizing workshops, training sessions, and joint operations. Their collaboration has substantially improved Fiji’s capacity to address emerging border risks in maritime, aviation, and cargo sectors.
The key goals of this partnership include combating revenue leakage and promoting legitimate trade and travel, particularly through FRCS’s Gold Card initiative, which encourages compliant trade practices. The ABF has also organized multi-agency visits to Australia, allowing FRCS officials to gain insight into Australian border management practices, including maritime border command and customs examination facilities.
This new Joint Work Program aims to bolster current efforts, focusing on enhancing capabilities in maritime security, intelligence, and targeting operations, along with better screening processes for containers, cargo, and mail. According to ABF Superintendent Uriah Turner, while progress has been made, there is still considerable work ahead. He emphasized that formalizing their partnership will ensure their efforts remain targeted and effective in addressing border security challenges, benefiting both nations.
Udit Singh, CEO of FRCS, expressed gratitude for the support and commitment from the Australian Government and ABF in strengthening Fiji’s border management and security. Singh highlighted the importance of the partnership, acknowledging the technical assistance and capacity building provided by Australia, which has enhanced FRCS’s core responsibilities in border protection, security, trade facilitation, and compliance.
Singh remarked that the formalization of the partnership would further aid FRCS in achieving its strategic objectives to guard against illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.