John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

The information I have is that the People’s Charter process appears to be distracting the interim government from returning Fiji to democracy and the rule of law. I can say that Australia will not be providing financial support to assist what we believe is a flawed charter process. Australia’s position is consistent with that of the forum: we support an independent and inclusive dialogue in Fiji that is complementary to the interim government’s election commitment, that is supported by all key stakeholders and that is conducted without preconditions, threats, ultimatums or predetermined outcomes. Australia, along with other forum countries, is willing to assist in appropriate ways the independent, Commonwealth led, political dialogue process and, of course, all political parties in Fiji have agreed to participate in those talks. (Time expired)