When Tony was working as a media executive in Fiji, he was disheartened to see the then government put restrictions on what journalists could publish.
Tony with Editor in Chief of Fiji Times, Fred Wesley. Tony originally hired Fred at the Fiji Sun who then went on to become Editor in Chief at the News Corp owned paper.
Tony notes the previous government put even harsher legislation in place that "if journalists defied these legislative requirements, they could face imprisonment for long periods.
"The Fiji Media Industry Development Act (2010) restricted media freedom, caused journalists to be intimidated, and abused, and restricted foreigners from owning or working in the media industry in Fiji."
The United Nations Human Rights Council urged reform of the law to respect freedom of the press in Fiji's 2019 Universal Periodic Review.
Tony, who is an early year LLB (Bachelor of Laws) student, has recently been exercising his legal training by encouraging and supporting the legislature to get the Fiji Media Industry Development Act (2010) repealed. He spoke to members of the legislature that this legislation conflicted with Fiji being a democratic country.
He was motivated to do this after "one of my past colleagues had been taken to court over insignificant editorial issues under the umbrella of this legislation. A photojournalist who worked for me at the Fiji Sun died from injuries sustained during the beatings he suffered while covering coups that took place in 2000 and 2006."
A photojournalist who worked for me at the Fiji Sun died from injuries sustained during the beatings he suffered while covering coups that took place in 2000 and 2006.
Tony with wife Sue and daughter Nikita at the St Peter's Basilica, Rome.
Tony says that he is grateful that the current Fiji Government has repealed this draconian legislation so that Fiji can move forward as a truly democratic country. Now that the legislation has been repealed, Tony is hoping that 7th April will be known as Fiji Media Freedom Day.
Tony is also an innovator and entrepreneur, establishing the Fiji Sun, which was the first digital newspaper in the South Pacific, after he saw a need for this.
He also started full colour daily newspaper printing in the South Pacific. Before this, in his early 20s, Tony was involved in the inception and development of the first FM radio stations in significant parts of Fiji when there were very few radios with FM band reception.
Tony at Pendle Hill 7eleven.
Due to the political unrest in Fiji, Tony emigrated to Australia in 2001. He arrived in Australia with $180AUS in his pocket and started working and managing service stations.
After a year, he received backing to purchase some 7-Eleven Service stations and now owns two very busy 7-Eleven Service stations in Sydney.
Tony and Sue at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva.
Tony started studying law after encouragement from his dad and as a reaction to what he saw happening to the media industry in Fiji. After he started, his daughter Nikita, was also inspired to undertake a law degree. She is also currently studying with UNE Law.
Tony notes that it will be a very proud moment when he graduates, in fact; one of his proudest moments. And given all his achievements, this is a very big statement!
All the best with your studies, Tony.
