Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently addressed Parliament, revealing that a total of 47 civil servants from 13 ministries have been suspended with pay, costing the government over $1 million from 2023 to September 2025. In response to a question from Opposition MP Premila Kumar, Rabuka detailed that eight officers were suspended in 2023, 17 in 2024, and 22 in 2025.
The Prime Minister explained that the Civil Service Discipline allows a permanent secretary to suspend an employee during an investigation if their presence could compromise workplace safety, hinder investigations, or affect the integrity of ministry operations. During their suspension, officers remain on full pay until disciplinary action is initiated, at which point any suspension moves to no pay once the case is referred to the Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal (PSDT).
Rabuka emphasized that not all suspensions lead to termination, as some officers might receive warnings or have their suspensions lifted after investigations. The breakdown of costs during these periods showed $153,227.58 in 2023, $428,092.84 in 2024, and $429,841.63 in 2025.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of due process and accountability within the civil service, stating that the PSDT is responsible for determining outcomes once cases are referred. He affirmed that the disciplinary process is essential for ensuring fairness and maintaining public trust in the civil service.
In conjunction with this announcement, Rabuka has previously emphasized the government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms within the civil service, which also included a recent pay rise for civil servants that is expected to increase household incomes across the nation. This dual focus on accountability and compensation aims to cultivate an efficient and responsible civil service that aligns with the aspirations of the Fijian people. By fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity, the government is hopeful that these measures will lead to improved service delivery and enhanced public trust in governance.