The interim prime minister said Fiji is safer than some Australian cities following comments by News Limited that Australians living in and intending to visit Fiji are deeply troubled.

In an exclusive interview with Fijivillage, Commodore Bainimarama said he is surprised to hear the statements made by the News Limited in Australia which have been widely reported locally and internationally.

He said the truth of the matter is that according to a poll conducted by family travel magazine, Out and About with Kids, Fiji was rated as the safest holiday destination after 25.9 percent of the Australians gave the green light to Fiji for holidays.