Professor Anthony James Regan, a Constitutional Law expert from the Australian National University (ANU), highlighted the importance of public consultation and careful constitutional design in nation-building for Fiji. Speaking at the Fiji National University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar Series on the topic “Constitutional Change in Fiji: Looking to the Future,” Professor Regan emphasized that constitutional design and choices are crucial in colonial, postcolonial, and conflict prevention and resolution contexts.
Professor Regan pointed out that involving a broad range of interest groups and ensuring the general populace understands the process and the Constitution significantly impacts whether a Constitution meets a country’s needs. He noted that Constitutions formed through elite negotiation or imposed by particular groups often fail to address the diverse needs of the population.
He cited the inclusive processes used in creating Fiji’s 1997 Constitution and Bougainville’s 2012 Constitution, which, although never becoming law, were notable for their inclusiveness.
Professor Regan’s research and teaching focus on the intersection of constitution-making, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, particularly in the Pacific and selected Asian regions. He provides advisory services and conducts research on constitutional development, sharing his expertise through undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, PhD supervision, and administrative roles.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, stressed that national universities should prioritize issues of national concern, including climate change and public discourse. She praised the National University’s duty to pursue knowledge through seminars and exchanges addressing national challenges.
She acknowledged Professor Regan’s presence as a testament to his commitment to knowledge sharing and meaningful dialogue across Oceania and the globe.
The seminar drew a high-level audience, including Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Government ministers, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary, Government dignitaries, representatives from the security forces, legal professionals, and members of the public.