Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently addressed the nation during a parliamentary session, revealing that 47 civil servants from 13 different ministries have been suspended with pay, resulting in a financial impact of over $1 million from 2023 to September 2025. In response to an inquiry from Opposition MP Premila Kumar, Rabuka detailed the distribution of suspensions: eight officers in 2023, 17 in 2024, and 22 in 2025.
The Prime Minister clarified that, under the Civil Service Discipline regulations, a permanent secretary has the authority to suspend an employee if their continued presence poses a risk to workplace safety, hampers investigations, or jeopardizes the integrity of ministry operations. While suspended, employees receive full pay until the initiation of disciplinary action; after the case is referred to the Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal (PSDT), their status shifts to unpaid suspension.
Rabuka emphasized that not every suspension results in termination. Some officers may receive reprimands, while others could have their suspensions revoked following investigations. The costs associated with these suspensions are broken down as follows: $153,227.58 in 2023, $428,092.84 in 2024, and $429,841.63 projected for 2025.
The Prime Minister underscored the significance of due process and accountability within the civil service, asserting that the PSDT plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of referred cases. He stated that maintaining fairness in the disciplinary process is vital for safeguarding public trust in the civil service.
Rabuka also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms within the civil service, which recently included a pay increase for civil servants aimed at bolstering household incomes nationwide. The combined focus on accountability and enhanced compensation is intended to cultivate an efficient and responsible civil service that meets the expectations of the Fijian people. By promoting a culture of professionalism and integrity, the government remains optimistic that these initiatives will improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence in governance.