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.
When presenting the bill, Minister for Fijian Affairs, Lands and Provincial Development Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu defended it on historical grounds. Lalabalavu indicated that the chiefs' expectations concerning their traditional customary qoliqoli rights have been present for about 125 years.