Fiji Law Society slams rushed consultation on Competition Bill

The Fiji Law Society is strongly urging for an extended consultation period and a more independent review process for the proposed Competition and Consumer Commission Bill 2026. The Society contends that the 113-page bill represents a fundamental overhaul of laws governing businesses, consumers, and investment across Fiji. However, stakeholders were granted a mere eight days to submit their feedback, a timeframe the Society deems insufficient for such a critical piece of legislation.

Released on July 29, the draft bill initially had submissions due on August 7. The Fiji Law Society has voiced significant concerns regarding the bill's proposed enforcement powers and penalties. Furthermore, they have identified drafting inconsistencies and a notable absence of supporting data and impact assessments, which they believe are crucial for understanding the bill's potential ramifications.

Beyond these issues, the Society is calling on the government to make the complete legislative package publicly available. This includes not only the bill itself but also any proposed regulations, merger thresholds, and a formal market and regulatory impact assessment. While the Fiji Law Society generally supports the modernization of Fiji’s competition and consumer laws, they insist that these reforms must undergo thorough scrutiny and independent evaluation before they can proceed further.