The Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) has reported a notable expenditure early in its allocated budget for the financial year 2025–2026, utilizing 34.4% of its $7 million budget within the first two months. This information was revealed during a parliamentary session on Tuesday by Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, who indicated that the ACCF has spent $2.4 million between August and September 2025.
Despite this immediate expenditure, Mr. Singh pointed out several challenges that are a result of previous management issues. He revealed a significant backlog of over 13,000 compensation claims that remain unprocessed due to inadequate follow-up from the former administration. “We inherited 13,176 forms that were received by ACCF, but the injured workers were not notified to apply for compensation,” he stated, expressing concern that approximately 40 to 50 percent of these claims might go unresolved as they fall under a three-year application window.
This predicament highlights a serious oversight by prior ACCF leadership, leaving numerous injured individuals without the compensation they urgently need. The current administration is actively pursuing improvements to ensure that compensation processes are made more efficient, allowing injured parties to access the support they require.
In response to these issues, the ACCF is committed to enhancing operational efficiency, which is aligned with ongoing legislative reforms and a concentrated effort on motor vehicle accident compensation. Since its establishment, the ACCF has disbursed over $82 million, demonstrating its crucial role in assisting victims of various accidents, including those from motor vehicle incidents, workplace injuries, and educational-related events.
The reforms currently being implemented aim to establish a more responsive compensation system. As the ACCF works to refine its procedures, the government remains optimistic about building a more effective framework that ensures timely assistance and boosts public confidence in the compensation process for affected individuals.
This renewed focus signifies a step towards increased accountability and enhanced support for those in need, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of injured Fijians and ensure that they receive the assistance they rightfully deserve.