Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has called on civil servants and employees at the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) to become more supportive and accommodating towards the public, particularly those affected by workplace, school, or motor vehicle accidents. During his address, Turaga pointed out that many individuals struggle to navigate the compensation process due to insufficient guidance available to them.
Turaga urged employers to take on their responsibilities in ensuring that their workers receive the compensation and support they are entitled to. He expressed his disappointment regarding systemic delays that further complicate the compensation process, stating, “When these accidents happen, they do not know what to do. When they come to the offices, they just don’t know what to tell.”
The Minister emphasized the importance of raising awareness among ordinary Fijians about the services available to them. This new initiative aligns with recent efforts from the Ministry of Employment, which has successfully resolved over half of the compensation cases received since taking over those responsibilities from the ACCF last year, having settled 558 cases thus far. The Ministry estimates that it has saved $1.2 million annually since assuming these functions, which previously incurred higher costs under the previous management.
This proactive step is crucial as the Ministry aims to clear a significant backlog of cases and improve the overall efficiency of the compensation system. This shift is underscored by the government’s allocation of a $6 million budget for the no-fault compensation scheme intended to support individuals affected by accidents more effectively.
As the government continues to streamline procedures and clarify responsibilities, there is hope for a more responsive compensation framework. The combination of increased awareness and improved processing capabilities presents a promising opportunity for better supporting victims and ensuring they receive the assistance they need in a timely manner. The ongoing dialogue between stakeholders signals that the future efforts in reforming the compensation landscape could be beneficial for both employees and employers alike.
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