Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has announced an impressive 99.99 percent budget utilization for workers’ compensation under the Injury Compensation Commission of Fiji (ICCF) for the previous financial year. Speaking in Parliament, Singh disclosed that out of the $7 million allocated for 2024–2025, a substantial $6,999,660 was utilized, leaving just $340 unspent.
For the new 2025–2026 budget cycle, Singh indicated that $2.4 million has already been used in merely two months, reflecting a utilization rate of 34.4 percent. This proactive management comes amid challenges, as the ministry faces a significant backlog of unresolved compensation cases inherited from previous management. Singh highlighted that they have taken on 13,176 compensation forms that had remained unaddressed, with approximately 44 percent of these cases at risk of being denied due to a three-year legal time bar.
This situation underscores the inefficiencies of past administrations, particularly under the previous ICCF and Veritas, which handled similar cases before the responsibilities were transferred back to the Ministry of Employment. Recent reforms, including the cessation of the contract with Veritas, are expected to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, ultimately saving the government approximately $1.8 million annually.
Additionally, there has been a broad commitment to optimize the compensation process following the transfer of functions from the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) to the Ministry. This transition aims to resolve the backlog, with a dedicated budget of $6 million allocated for a new “no-fault” compensation scheme that will facilitate support for individuals affected by workplace accidents and other incidents.
The minister’s efforts reflect a renewed focus on accountability and responsiveness in the compensation framework, promising a brighter future for those relying on such support. With the government dedicated to improving systems and ensuring timely assistance, there is a hopeful outlook for a more effective compensation process that caters to the needs of injured workers across Fiji.