Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s salary saw significant increases throughout his time in office, escalating from $89,000 in 2007 to an impressive $323,000 by 2020, as revealed in a recent court ruling. This information came to light during a court session on September 24, where financial records outlined Bainimarama’s compensation trajectory over his 15-year leadership in Fiji.
Court documents indicated that Bainimarama earned $88,945 from January to September 2007, which was subsequently raised to $96,012.48 between September 2007 and December 2011. By 2012, his salary had more than doubled to $230,000 and peaked at $328,750 from September 2014 until March 2020. However, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a 20 percent cut reduced his salary to $263,000 from April 2020 until his retirement in December 2022.
The most notable increase in Bainimarama’s salary occurred in 2012, marking a pivotal moment in his financial standing. While it was initially intended that salary cuts would end by the close of 2020, Bainimarama’s earnings did not revert to previous levels, and he continued to receive the reduced salary until his departure from office.
During cross-examination, Bainimarama admitted he did not formally seek to restore his full salary after the cuts. His ongoing legal battle with the Government pertains to pension and gratuity entitlements, as he is pursuing claims for more than $337,000 in unpaid gratuity and a pension exceeding $7,000 every fortnight. Nonetheless, his claims were dismissed in a recent court ruling.
This legal dispute shines a light on pension calculations and the administration of public service benefits in Fiji, particularly amid the financial difficulties posed by the pandemic. The courtroom proceedings could have far-reaching implications, not only for Bainimarama but also for other public servants in Fiji, potentially leading to clearer guidelines on pension entitlements and enhanced transparency in public sector operations.
The case also prompts a broader discussion on the rights of public officials and may pave the way for reforms that guarantee fair treatment for those who have dedicated their service to government roles. As this situation develops, it could result in beneficial changes to the regulatory framework surrounding public service pensions, ultimately helping future policymakers and public servants.