The Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has announced a remarkable budget utilization rate of 99.99 percent for workers’ compensation under the Injury Compensation Commission of Fiji (ICCF) for the last financial year. In a statement made in Parliament, Singh revealed that from a total allocation of $7 million for the fiscal year 2024–2025, an impressive $6,999,660 was utilized, leaving a mere $340 unspent.
As the government transitions into the 2025–2026 budget cycle, Singh noted that $2.4 million has already been expended in just the first two months, translating to a utilization rate of 34.4 percent. This proactive approach comes at a time when the ministry grapples with a backlog of unresolved compensation cases that were inherited from previous administrations. Singh pointed out that a total of 13,176 compensation forms—many of which are at risk due to a three-year legal time limit—have yet to be addressed.
These challenges highlight the inefficiencies present in past management, particularly during the time when the ICCF and Veritas handled compensation cases before responsibilities were reassumed by the Ministry of Employment. The recent decision to cease the contract with Veritas aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency, with an anticipated savings of around $1.8 million annually for the government.
Moreover, efforts to enhance the compensation process have been reinforced following the transfer of responsibilities from the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) to the Ministry. A dedicated budget of $6 million has been allocated for a new “no-fault” compensation scheme that is designed to provide better support for individuals affected by workplace accidents and other incidents.
Singh emphasized that these initiatives reflect a renewed commitment to accountability and responsiveness within the compensation framework. With the government focused on improving systems and ensuring timely assistance, there is an optimistic outlook for a more effective compensation process that will better serve injured workers across Fiji, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for those in need.