Fiji refuses entry to ACTU delegation

Media release

New York

13 December 2011

Australia regrets today’s decision by the Fiji interim Government to refuse entry to the ACTU delegation, led by Ged Kearney.

‪Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said the Fiji interim Government had missed an opportunity to demonstrate that it is not afraid of international scrutiny.

“The Fiji interim Government has in recent months targeted trade union leaders and introduced draconian laws restricting the rights of workers.

"As sadly anticipated, the Fiji interim Government has not taken this opportunity to make a start on badly needed improvements to workers rights.

"It is also very concerning that consular access was denied to the ACTU delegation," Mr Rudd said.

Australia has an ongoing commitment to promoting labour and human rights and ensuring that trade unionists remain free from intimidation.

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