Strengthening Bonds: Queensland Parliament Hosts Fijian Community and High Commissioner to Celebrate Shared Heritage and Trade Relations
Brisbane, September 23, 2025 – It was a moment of pride and unity as prominent members of Queensland’s Fijian diaspora gathered at the Queensland Parliament House for a special morning tea hosted by Hon. Jon Krause MP, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Scenic Rim.
The event was held in honour of His Excellency Mr. Ajay Amrit, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji, underscoring the close cultural ties and growing trade relations between Queensland and Fiji.
The gathering provided a unique platform for Fijian Australians to come together and celebrate their shared heritage while engaging in meaningful discussions about how their community can continue to contribute positively to Queensland’s diverse social fabric.
“The morning tea was more than just a ceremonial event,” said Hon. Jon Krause MP. “It’s a celebration of the rich cultural contributions of the Fijian community here in Queensland and a recognition of the importance of our bilateral relationship with Fiji.”
Community leaders and local government officials alike highlighted the enduring ties that connect Queensland and Fiji ties that go beyond culture and family to encompass significant economic and trade partnerships.
Queensland and Fiji have enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial trade relationship that continues to grow in both scope and value. The strategic proximity of Queensland to the South Pacific positions it as a vital gateway for Australian engagement with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
In recent years, Queensland’s exports to Fiji have included agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services, while Fiji supplies Queensland with commodities such as sugar, timber, and seafood. The event emphasized the need to further deepen these trade relations to support economic growth and regional development.
High Commissioner Ajay Amrit underscored this point during his address: “Queensland is not just a neighbour but a key partner in Fiji’s economic future. Strengthening trade ties is essential for shared prosperity, and we are committed to expanding opportunities for businesses in both our communities.”
Queensland’s government has prioritized strengthening trade and investment links with Pacific nations, including Fiji, recognizing the potential for collaborative projects in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, education, and infrastructure development.
Programs aimed at facilitating business exchanges, vocational training, and cultural education have played an important role in fostering closer ties. The morning tea event also provided a forum to discuss how the Fijian diaspora can serve as ambassadors, linking entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers between Queensland and Fiji.
“There is tremendous potential to grow our bilateral trade through innovation and cooperation,” said a Queensland trade official attending the event. “We are exploring ways to enhance market access, reduce trade barriers, and support joint ventures that create jobs and drive sustainable development.”
The Role of the Fijian Diaspora
Queensland is home to one of the largest Fijian communities in Australia, whose members actively contribute to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the state. The event was a reminder of how diaspora communities act as bridges, connecting countries and fostering goodwill, while enriching the multicultural tapestry of Queensland.
Speakers highlighted success stories of Fijian Australians excelling in business, education, and public service underscoring the community’s role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and economic ties.
“By nurturing our cultural roots and building strong networks, the Fijian community here is well-positioned to be a catalyst for even greater cooperation between Queensland and Fiji,” said one community leader.
As the morning tea drew to a close, the message was clear: events like these serve not only to honour heritage but to pave the way for a future of strengthened partnership and shared prosperity.
Hon. Jon Krause MP concluded: “Queensland and Fiji share much more than geography; we share values, aspirations, and a vision for inclusive growth. Together, we will continue to build bridges that benefit our communities and economies alike.”
The occasion left attendees hopeful and inspired, reinforcing the importance of unity, dialogue, and collaboration as Queensland and Fiji move forward together.
