Twenty-two civil servants from six different ministries have been placed on paid suspension this year, as reported by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. This brings the total number of documented suspensions across thirteen government ministries to 47 since the beginning of 2023. Prime Minister Rabuka provided this information in response to a parliamentary inquiry posed by Opposition MP Premila Kumar.
Rabuka detailed the numbers of suspensions over the years: eight civil servants were suspended in 2023, 17 in 2022, and 22 in the current year. The financial impact of these suspensions is significant, with government expenditure on salaries and benefits reaching $153,227.58 in 2023, $428,092.84 in 2022, and $429,841.63 in 2023.
According to the Prime Minister, the authority to suspend an officer at any stage in the disciplinary process lies with a Permanent Secretary, particularly if an officer’s presence could jeopardize workplace safety, hinder investigations, or compromise the integrity of ministry information or services. While those suspended receive full pay during investigations, their salary is halted once a case is referred to the Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal.
Rabuka emphasized that not all suspensions result in termination; some officers might receive warnings or be reinstated based on the investigations’ outcomes. The Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal plays a crucial role in ensuring a balanced approach to accountability and due process.
These steps are part of wider civil service reforms backed by Rabuka, who has encouraged civil servants to embody values such as honor, diligence, and discipline. Additionally, there is a proposal for salary increases aimed at alleviating living costs for civil servants. The government is optimistic that these reforms, together with accountability measures, will lead to substantial improvements in governance and public service delivery. The initiatives are designed not only to address existing mismanagement but also to enhance the ethical standards within the civil service, ultimately promoting a culture focused on effectively serving the citizens of Fiji.