The Office of the Attorney-General in Fiji is set to commence a review of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Act, pending Cabinet approval. Acting Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Siromi Turaga confirmed that the necessary resources are in place to move forward with this initiative, with collaborative support from the Commonwealth following recent discussions at a Solicitor-General meeting in London.
Turaga expressed confidence in the capabilities of his office, emphasizing a strong commitment to addressing policy matters without delay. He stated, “Drafting to me is not an issue because we have the resources,” underscoring the urgency of the review in light of its vital role in guiding FICAC’s operations within constitutional confines, especially following recent court rulings.
Previous discussions on this review date back before Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent comments regarding delays in the process. Turaga assured, “It’s been deliberated at my office and will progress from there,” indicating that preliminary work has already been initiated.
The impetus for reviewing the FICAC Act is partly driven by concerns that the commission may have been misused in past administrations, a sentiment echoed during previous government tenures. Turaga highlighted the importance of consultations with the Fiji Law Society to ensure a well-rounded draft, aiming for comprehensive engagement with stakeholders.
Prime Minister Rabuka has emphasized that any modifications to the FICAC Act will be regarded as amendments to the constitution in accordance with Section 115. He asserted that reforming FICAC is a crucial step towards enhancing governance and accountability in the region, stating, “The coalition will continue discussions to formulate a structure for FICAC.”
Both officials convey optimism that these developments will pave the way for significant improvements in governance integrity and establish a stronger legal framework aimed at ensuring accountability within Fiji’s law enforcement agencies. This review represents a pivotal opportunity for reform, potentially enhancing public trust in the systems that uphold justice in Fiji.