Opposition MP Jone Usamate has reignited the debate over Fiji’s cabinet size and cost, telling Parliament that a quick analysis suggests ministers are costing Fijian taxpayers far more than ministers in many other countries.
Usamate argued that in some nations the public’s contribution per minister ranges from 0.13 to 1.15 per person, whereas in Fiji the figure runs far higher—“100 to 200 times that amount,” he contended. He also suggested that the large number of portfolios may reflect ministers who are spread too thin, leaving them with little to do other than assume the work of Permanent Secretaries and Directors.
While he congratulated the newly appointed Minister for Information, Usamate said other capable figures, such as Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia or Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua, could have been considered for Cabinet roles. He stressed that his remarks were about governance and not personal criticism, and urged the Ministry of Information to be transparent, sharing both achievements and shortcomings with the public.
The exchange comes amid broader scrutiny of Fiji’s executive size. Independent MP Usamate has previously cited a Cabinet lineup that includes 23 ministers and 15 assistant ministers, totaling 38 members out of 55 in Parliament, arguing that such a configuration is inefficient and invites micromanagement and overlap. Comparisons have been drawn with New Zealand, which has around 20 ministers for more than five million people, and Australia, with 23 ministers for roughly 26 million, highlighting the paradox of Fiji’s relatively small population hosting a comparatively large executive.
Critics have also raised concerns about politicization within the civil service, suggesting appointments are too often driven by political loyalties rather than merit. In response, supporters of the government have defended the move as a necessary step to maintain stable governance and to ensure that key institutions remain intact. Some officials have warned that focusing solely on trimming numbers without strengthening institutions could undermine administrative effectiveness.
As debates over Cabinet size continue, observers see a broad opportunity for reform. Advocates for merit-based appointments and stronger institutional integrity argue that a smaller, more focused executive could improve decision-making and restore public trust. Others believe that productive reforms will require collaboration between the government and opposition to realign priorities with citizens’ needs, especially in a time of rising living costs and ongoing public-service challenges.
What this means for Fiji going forward
– The public discourse signals a pivotal moment for governance reform, with calls to balance ministerial accountability, cost containment, and effective service delivery.
– Watch for proposals on Cabinet size targets, merit-based selection processes, and clearer definitions of ministerial roles, particularly for assistant ministers.
– The broader questions remain: how to maintain policy consistency and institutional integrity while ensuring taxpayers see value from the executive’s size and cost.
Bottom line
The current controversy around Cabinet size and ministerial costs reflects deeper tensions between fiscal responsibility and governance effectiveness. It also underscores a growing push for transparency, accountability, and structural reforms that could shape Fiji’s public administration in the years ahead, with potential benefits for service delivery and citizen confidence.
Additional notes for coverage
– If reporting further on this topic, consider including concrete cost estimates for different Cabinet size scenarios and exploring how reductions or restructurings could impact key public services.
– Interview perspectives from civil society, budgeting authorities, and independent policy researchers to provide a balanced view on potential reforms.
– Track proposed timelines or parliamentary motions related to government size, ministerial portfolios, and appointment processes to inform readers about any forthcoming changes.
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