The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) officially launched its 2024-2027 Debt Management
Strategy this afternoon which will enable FRCS Debt Management team to deliver excellence in debt
collection contributing towards national revenue by partnering with the taxpayer community.

Speaking at the launch FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh stated that the Debt Management Strategy was a
working document to assist FRCS in having effective collaboration with the taxpayers in assisting
them to fulfil their tax obligations promptly.

The Strategy has been developed with the assistance from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) under
the ATO Technical Assistance Program to FRCS.

“On behalf of the FRCS, we value the strong partnership we have established with ATO through the
ATO Technical Assistance Program for FRCS, and we appreciate the capacity-building efforts we have
received from the ATO over the years,” Mr Singh said.

According to Mr. Singh, Fiji needs all taxpayers to pay the right amount of tax, in full by their due date.

“While our intention is to minimise our debt collection, we also want to be a responsible creditor with
our commitment to giving our customers a service that is professional and based on respect and
integrity. This also means that we clearly articulate the options and consequences to the taxpayers,
especially people who are in problem debt.”

Acknowledging the dedication and effort of all those involved in developing the Debt Management
Strategy, Ms. Rebecca Brown, First Secretary, Governance at the Australian High Commission in Fiji
stated that the Strategy focused on making it easy for the taxpayers to understand and fulfill their
responsibilities and working collaboratively with taxpayers to manage any outstanding tax and
customs debt.

“I trust this Strategy will support FRCS to deliver excellence in revenue collection by working the Fijian
community, investing in staff, systems and being data driven,” Ms. Brown said.

“The strong and effective partnership between the FRCS and the ATO, has helped to support Fiji in its
goal of reducing debt, deliver ongoing economic recovery and joining the global community on Tax
Policy and Administration (OCED).”

ATO’s Director International Relations, Capacity Building and Transparency Ms. Gabrielle Jackson
highlighted that the debt strategy represented a holistic approach to financial management and
compliance.

“It will lead to improved revenue collection, by strengthening customer service and compliance
education and support increased voluntary compliance whilst continuing to deliver quality service to
FRCS clients and partners. By embracing a data-driven approach, FRCS can enhance its decision-
making processes and optimize resource allocation,” Ms. Jackson said.

(Source: FRCS Media)