Professor Anthony James Regan, a Constitutional Law expert at the Australian National University (ANU), emphasized the importance of public input and careful constitutional design in Fiji’s nation-building efforts. Speaking at the Fiji National University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar Series, titled “Constitutional Change in Fiji: Looking to the Future,” Regan highlighted the significance of constitutional design choices, particularly in colonial, postcolonial, and conflict prevention and resolution contexts.
During his address, Professor Regan noted the critical impact of involving a broad spectrum of interest groups and ensuring that ordinary people understand the constitution-making process. He stated, “A constitution is more likely to serve a country well when it includes widespread consultations, rather than being designed by elites or imposed by a particular group.”
He praised Fiji’s approach in creating the 1997 Constitution and referenced Bougainville’s 2012 Constitution, which, despite never being implemented, followed an inclusive process. Regan’s work, which intersects constitution-making, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, focuses primarily on the Pacific and select Asian regions. His expertise extends to providing advisory services and conducting research on these vital areas.
Professor Regan’s responsibilities at ANU include undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, PhD supervision, and various administrative duties.
Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Vice-Chancellor of FNU, underscored the role of national universities in addressing national issues through education, research, and public discourse. “National universities highlight national priorities such as cultural heritage, climate change, and research that tackles national challenges,” she remarked. She affirmed FNU’s commitment to engaging in all forms of knowledge pursuit, including seminars and exchanges that address critical national issues.
Professor Regan’s presence at the seminar was seen as a testament to the commitment to knowledge sharing and fostering meaningful dialogue across Oceania and beyond.
The seminar was attended by an esteemed audience, including Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, government ministers, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary, government officials, security force representatives, legal professionals, and members of the public.