President Jioji Konrote has stated during the opening of the parliament session that the legislative programme for this session will include new legislation on the formulation of a new independent land tribunal and reviewing of a number of existing laws.

Konrote says that the new legislation on the formulation of a new independent land tribunal includes public health protections, the modernisation of quarantine practices and procedures, matters pertaining to landlords and tenants, consumer protection, town planning, subdivision of land and registration of engineers.

He says that others also include anti‑doping, patents, industrial designs, trademarks registration, traditional knowledge and cultural expression, the registration of accountants, public enterprises and substance abuse control.

The President says parliament will also substantially review a number of existing laws.

Konrote says that these will include the Financial Management Act, Immigration Act, Consumer Credit Act, Security Industry Act,  Stamp Duties Act, Customs Act, Customs Tariff Act, Land Transport Act, Sale of Goods Act, Bankruptcy Act and Police Act.

He says that there are also fourteen bills from the past parliament that were before the committees that will also be revived in this session.

Konrote says that the final objective on the agenda, is not a single line‑item, but rather a sweeping commitment that will touch every aspect of development and the lives of all of the people and that is the empowerment of young Fijians.

He says the success of young nations, like ourselves, is bonded to how well we engage with the young minds in the country.

Konrote says that we can either write‑off their dreams as fantasy or their idealism as impractical, or we can embrace the long‑term future by empowering youths and listening to their new ideas.

He says that they can go that extra mile to bring the opportunities they deserve, make space for them at the decision‑making table and bring them exposure, experience and mentorship.

The President says that is why government started holding national budget consultations with students directly in high schools and young people directly in universities, and that is what they will continue to do.

Konrote says that the challenge for them is to make the next four years even greater, even more successful for the country and four years on from now, let us all aspire to represent a Fiji that is stronger, more vibrant and more prosperous, and a people who remain united, committed to common purpose and filled with true love for all their fellow Fijians and their nation.

He says this is what true patriotism is all about.