Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s salary experienced substantial growth during his tenure, jumping from $89,000 in 2007 to $323,000 in 2020, according to a recent court ruling. This revelation emerged during a court session on September 24, where financial records revealed the progression of Bainimarama’s earnings over his 15-year period as Prime Minister of Fiji.
The documentation presented in court disclosed that Bainimarama earned $88,945 from January to September 2007, followed by a raise to $96,012.48 from September 2007 to December 2011. In a notable increase, his salary was set at $230,000 between 2012 and September 2014, before peaking at $328,750 from September 2014 to March 2020. However, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a 20 percent reduction in ministerial salaries took effect, lowering his earnings to $263,000 from April 2020 until his retirement in December 2022.
The most significant salary increase occurred in 2012, where Bainimarama’s compensation more than doubled from just over $96,000 to $230,000, marking a significant change in his financial status. Despite the initial intentions for the salary cut to conclude by the end of 2020, there was no move to restore his salary to its previous levels, and he continued receiving the reduced rate until his retirement.
During cross-examination in the High Court, Bainimarama acknowledged that he did not formally request a restoration of his full salary after the salary cuts. His recent court ruling is part of a larger legal battle against the Government concerning his pension and gratuity payments, in which Bainimarama is seeking over $337,000 in unpaid gratuity and a fortnightly pension exceeding $7,000. However, his claims were dismissed in the court last week.
This ongoing legal dispute raises significant questions about pension calculations and the management of public service benefits in Fiji, particularly in light of financial challenges brought on by the pandemic. The courtroom proceedings have implications not only for Bainimarama personally but also for public servants in Fiji, as they may lead to clearer guidelines and reforms around pension entitlements and greater transparency in the public sector.
The situation reflects a broader examination of public officials’ rights and could encourage adjustments that ensure fair treatment for those who have served in government. As the case unfolds, it could foster improvements in the regulatory framework governing public service pensions, benefiting future policymakers and public servants alike.