15 Jan 2005

Australia upgrades travel advice to Fiji after attacks

8:15 am on 15 January 2005

Security is being reviewed after two attacks on Australian embassy staff in Fiji, including an assault which broke the High Commissioner's jaw.

The Australian government has upgraded its travel advice to Fiji, warning its citizens about the threat of robbery, theft and assaults.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it'll take any measures deemed necessary to protect staff.

Two Australian women who work for the High Commission were attacked on Wednesday.

No arrests have been made, but police are holding a man they found nearby on the night with house-breaking equipment and a balaclava.

The attack comes after Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji, Jennifer Rawson, was seriously injured in an attack last week.

The Fiji Police Commissioner, Australian Andrew Hughes, says attacks aren't linked and there is no general threat to Australians.