Ben Kush

Benjamin Kush is an aviation management professional, consultant, trade union leader, community advocate, and prospective candidate for the next Fiji General Election.

With more than three decades of experience in aviation operations, air traffic management, industrial relations, and organisational governance across Fiji and Australia, he brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to leadership and public service.

Born in Lautoka and raised in Nadi, Mr. Kush is the son of Ana Sekoula Niumataiwalu of Salia, Nayau, Lau, and Nareindra Pal Singh Kush, widely known as Johnny Kush. His family background reflects Fiji’s rich multicultural heritage and has shaped his lifelong commitment to unity, service, and community development.

Educated at Namaka Public School, Shri Vivekananda High School, Marist Brothers High School, and Natabua High School, Mr. Kush began his professional career in aviation after graduating from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) Academy in 1989.

Over the next two decades, he built an extensive career in Fiji’s aviation sector, progressing through a range of operational and leadership roles in aeronautical communications, flight information services, and air traffic management. His dedication and expertise saw him rise to the position of Team Leader, International Flight Information Service, while also serving in a leadership capacity as Acting Manager of the Airports Fiji Limited Academy.

In 2009, Mr. Kush migrated to Australia, where he continued his professional development within one of the world’s most advanced aviation systems.

In 2013, he joined Airservices Australia, the nation’s air navigation service provider, serving as an Aviation Traffic Management Officer and later as an Air Traffic Management Information Specialist at the organisation’s National Coordinating Centre in Canberra. His responsibilities included managing critical aviation information, air traffic flow management, and contingency operations across Australian airspace.

Through these roles, he gained valuable experience in strategic planning, operational risk management, emergency response coordination, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement at both national and international levels.

Beyond aviation operations, Mr. Kush has established a strong record in industrial relations and workforce advocacy. In 2006, he was elected President of the Air Traffic Management Association of Fiji (ATMAF), representing aviation professionals throughout Fiji.

He was subsequently elected unopposed as the union’s Secretary and led negotiations that secured improved employment conditions for more than 120 union members through successful engagement with Airports Fiji Limited and the Ministry of Public Enterprises. These achievements strengthened his expertise in negotiation, conflict resolution, policy development, and consensus-building—skills that remain central to his approach to leadership and public service.

Today, Mr. Kush serves as an Aviation Consultant (Fiji) for Trax Asia Pacific, drawing on more than 30 years of industry experience. His areas of expertise include aviation governance, crisis mitigation, emergency legislation, operational resilience, organisational reform, and strategic planning.

Outside his professional career, Mr. Kush has maintained a long-standing commitment to community service and volunteer leadership.

A former football player who represented both Marist Brothers High School and Natabua High School at First XI level, he later transitioned into sports administration after injury ended his playing career. He served as an official of the DCA Sports and Social Club and held the position of Vice-President of the Nadi Soccer Association on two occasions, contributing to the development of grassroots football and youth participation in sport.

Mr. Kush remains actively involved in civic and environmental initiatives. He currently serves on the Vanua o Betoraurau Education Committee and Environment Committee, supporting community-led efforts in education, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

After returning permanently to Fiji in April 2024, Mr. Kush entered public life with a desire to contribute his leadership experience, governance expertise, and practical problem-solving skills to national development.

He is particularly interested in public policy areas including economic growth, youth development, education, environmental sustainability, good governance, public sector accountability, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities for future generations.

Fluent in English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi, Mr. Kush is committed to building bridges across communities and fostering inclusive, people-centred leadership. He believes that effective governance requires integrity, transparency, consultation, and a willingness to place the interests of ordinary citizens at the centre of decision-making.

Mr. Kush resides in Martintar, Nadi. He is the proud father of two children and grandfather of two grandsons.