PM Rabuka Flown to Rotuma by Australian Air Force for Rotuma Day Celebrations

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was flown to Rotuma last week aboard a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan to attend Rotuma Day celebrations on May 13, 2025—his first visit to the island as head of the Coalition Government.

The transport mission was coordinated through the Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP), a key initiative under the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran’s Affairs and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces jointly facilitated the trip.

“I am thankful for the Fijian team and Royal Australian Air Force for supporting my travel to Rotuma. This was my first visit to Rotuma as Prime Minister of the Coalition Government and an important opportunity to engage with the community,” said Prime Minister Rabuka.

Since its launch in February 2024, the DPAP has completed over 25 flights to Rotuma, delivering essential cargo, government personnel, and emergency services to support the island’s development. Recent missions have included the delivery of medical supplies to Rotuma Hospital, upgrades to Rotuma Airport, and support for law enforcement and disaster preparedness.

Minister for Defence and Veteran’s Affairs said the DPAP has remained focused on delivering results to the people.

“The DPAP continues to achieve its core aim – that is to respond to the needs of the Fijian people and deliver on Fiji Government priorities,” the Minister said. “As the National Security and Defence Review has shown, it is critical that our security resources deliver tangible benefits for the Fijian people to maintain community trust in Government institutions.”

One such initiative supported by the program was the transport of 16 Fiji Law Reform Commission (FLRC) officials to conduct consultations on electoral law reform. FLRC Director Raijeli Tuivaga noted the importance of reaching communities across all seven districts of Rotuma.

“To ensure that the law reform process is participatory and has the people in the epicentre, shaping the laws that may ultimately govern them, we try, as far as possible, to have community-centred consultations,” Tuivaga said.

In February, the DPAP aircraft was diverted to support a maritime rescue mission following a mayday call, highlighting its flexibility in responding to urgent national needs. The C-27J assisted the Fiji Navy in locating a stranded vessel, after cutting short an official visit by Assistant Minister for Justice Ratu Josaia Niudamu.

Later this week, the aircraft will transport a Ministry of Health team to conduct inspections and audits of the Rotuma Hospital laboratory.

The C-27J Spartan is scheduled to complete 12 one-week rotations in Fiji throughout 2025 as part of the ongoing DPAP partnership.