The Fiji Public Trustee Corporation Limited has identified the urgent need to revise its operational laws, citing that the current regulations are outdated. Chief Executive Ajay Singh emphasized that the Fiji Public Trustee Act 2006 and the Fees Regulations 2008 do not adequately represent the corporation’s evolving role and responsibilities in today’s environment.
Singh revealed that a review process is underway, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the Law Reform Commission, and the corporation’s overseeing ministry. He noted, “Most of the clauses in the Act are now, I will say, outdated. So the corporation has just started reviewing the 2006 Fiji Public Trustee Act. The works have begun and currently we are in consultation stages.”
The consultation and review process, Singh anticipates, will take over a year. He reflected on the complexity of the task, stating, “We have just started. So we will have to go through the consultation process. I think we are targeting one year, but one year is a very short time for a review of the Act.” Last year, preliminary discussions began, and the initiative is now being referred to the Law Reform Commission for further consideration.
Singh expressed confidence that updating the legislation will enhance governance, boost operational efficiency, and ensure the Public Trustee continues to protect beneficiaries’ interests, aligning with current economic and regulatory frameworks. The proactive approach shown by the corporation may lead to stronger safeguards for the community it serves, representing a positive step towards modernization and increased efficacy in its operations.