News

Kava taskforce members hosted to an information session

March 7, 2019 8:29 am

The Australian High Commission in Suva yesterday hosted an information session for members of the Kava Taskforce and relevant stakeholders.

This follows an announcement made by Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison to introduce a pilot program to ease restrictions of kava for personal use to Australia.

Morrison noted that this was part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-Up, recognising in particular the cultural and economic importance of kava to Pacific Islanders.

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Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, acknowledged the significant strides Fiji has taken to develop and regulate the kava industry, inviting attendees to participate in this process and influence the design of the pilot program.

Feakes urged attendees to be frank in providing their feedback and in raising any concerns.

Australia’s Office of Drug Control is now seeking comments from interested parties on the design of the program and all comments are due by March 22nd.

High Commission officials presented a Consultation Paper prepared by the ODC, which seeks feedback on a proposal to increase the quantity of kava that may be imported for personal use from 2kg to 4kg. .