The urgent need to address delayed appointments in vital institutions like the Mercy Commission and the Fiji Law Reform Commission has been underscored by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. This concern was highlighted in a recent Consolidated Review Report concerning the activities of the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) from 2014 to 2022, which was presented to Parliament this week.
The report points out that these delays could significantly impede the effectiveness of these bodies. The Mercy Commission plays a crucial role in the timely assessment of applications for mercy from convicted individuals and provides essential advice to the President of Fiji. Alarmingly, it has not convened meetings for several years due to the lack of appointed members.
Similarly, the Fiji Law Reform Commission has been functioning without a chairperson for an extended period. The commission’s responsibilities include researching legal frameworks, advising the government on policy matters, and drafting laws for various ministries prior to their submission to the Cabinet. The absence of leadership has put the commission’s operations at risk, prompting the committee to advocate for the swift appointment of a chairperson.
The report also pointed to shortcomings in the OAG’s reporting, such as the absence of critical data on liquor licenses, gender representation among staff, and existing job vacancies. It recommends that future reports should include data segmented by gender and detailing the levels of posts held by women.
Regarding capacity building, the committee acknowledged the strides made, while noting that professional development primarily occurred through attendance at seminars and workshops, both locally and internationally. The committee praised the OAG for its legislative drafting and legal support, urging the need for ongoing revisions of laws to adapt to Fiji’s evolving requirements. Additionally, it stressed the importance of simplifying report language to make it more accessible for the public.
To effectively tackle the increasing demands placed on government ministries, the report emphasized the necessity for enhanced resources to address existing staff shortages.
This initiative for improvement reflects a commitment to enhancing institutional functionality and responsiveness in Fiji, which could lead to more effective governance and better service delivery to the public. There is hope that the government will heed the committee’s recommendations, leading to timely appointments and improved operations within these vital bodies.
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