In introducing the bill, the Minister for Fijian Affairs, Lands and Provincial Development, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, defended it on historical basis. Lalabalavu said the expectations by the Fijian chiefs over their traditional customary qoliqoli rights has been there for a period of about 125 years.
In presenting the bill, Minister for Fijian Affairs, Lands and Provincial Development Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu supported it with historical evidence. Lalabalavu mentioned that the chiefs' traditional customary qoliqoli rights have been a concern for roughly 125 years.