Alleged attacks on two Virgin Australia crew members will tarnish Fiji’s reputation, a local politician says as he called for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Local authorities are investigating allegations one Australian was robbed and another sexually assaulted after clubbing in the Nadi nightclub area on Fiji’s west coast.
Fiji’s Tourism and Civil Aviation ministry said the incidents in the early hours of New Year’s Day were “regrettable”.
“There were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault, which affected two different crew members,” a ministry statement said on Thursday.
It confirmed a suspect has been questioned over the alleged sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member.
“A suspect known to police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Investigation continues,” the ministry said.
Three Virgin crew members have remained in their hotel rooms near Nadi International Airport since the incidents and the airline has sent support staff to Fiji.
The ministry said the crew members were in good health and should return home by the end of the week.
“The three crew members were also advised by their headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with police investigations,” the ministry said.
Local Fijian MP Ketan Lal said the incidents were deeply concerning.
“Such incidents tarnish Fiji’s reputation as a safe and hospitable destination and highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims,” Mr Lal said on social media.
He called for the police investigation to be transparent, lead to swift action and a victim-centred approach, and urged Fiji’s government to strengthen security in areas frequented by tourists.
“The safety and dignity of every individual, whether a Fijian or a visitor, must be upheld at all times.”
Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia federal secretary Teri O’Toole said it appeared the airline had acted very quickly and her union was ready to assist in any way.
However, she said the union had not received an official approach for assistance.
“I believe these crew were on what we would call an overnight, so they would get to Fiji, wait and (their) flight would leave the next day,” she told AAP.
Ms O’Toole said there had been a lot of guesswork about what had happened and urged people not to speculate while respecting the crew’s privacy during the police investigation.
“This is not a very common thing but it’s not something that’s never happened before either,” she said.
“It’s very disturbing for their friends and colleagues. Everyone is very concerned for their welfare.”
The airline has confirmed an incident occurred but no further details have been provided.
Virgin staff have travelled to Nadi to provide support and family members of the affected crew are reportedly flying to Fiji.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was aware of the reports but unable to provide further comment, a spokesperson said.
It comes after four Australians, among a group of seven tourists, fell ill after drinking cocktails at the five-star Warwick Fiji resort in December.
Initially it was suspected to be alcohol poisoning, but a toxicology report found the pina colada mixtures served to the tourists did not contain illicit substances or methanol.
The seven affected people fully recovered and were discharged from hospital.
The Australian government advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions when travelling to Fiji – the lowest of four official risk ratings.
“Crime in Fiji includes robbery, theft, violent assault, sexual assault and home invasions,” the Smart Traveller website states.
“Most crime is opportunistic. The highest risk is in urban areas and at night.”
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
