The Fiji Police Force (FPF) reported a closing balance of $2.6 million in its operating trust fund at the end of the 2022 fiscal year, which indicates that certain payments were not executed as planned. This observation was made in the Auditor-General’s report covering the General Administration Sector for 2021-2022, which was reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
A significant portion of this total, about $2,392,585, represents 90 percent of the funds carried forward from prior years. During the committee meeting, Assistant Commissioner Meli Sateki, who oversees administration and finance, acknowledged the issues raised and noted that adjustments to their financial records had been made in the previous fiscal period.
PAC chair Esrom Immanuel raised serious concerns regarding whether the withheld funds pertained to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or other financial obligations. The police representatives indicated they had disbursed payments to the concerned members but conceded they had not reconciled the outstanding amounts that were being carried forward, which raised alarms about potential liability issues for police officers.
Immanuel emphasized that such a large sum, particularly one relating to employee deductions, should not remain unallocated for extended periods and called for improved fiscal discipline within the force. He noted that this issue is not limited to the police, as similar discrepancies have been found across other government ministries.
He expressed the need for the situation to be closely monitored and highlighted the importance of ensuring the prompt payment of dues to maintain trust and accountability for the funds that belong to the officers. The committee intends to follow up with the Ministry of Finance to address these issues adequately.
This situation provides an opportunity for the Fiji Police Force to implement better financial practices and enhance transparency and reliability regarding personnel financial obligations. There is potential for a more efficient system that protects both the officers’ rights and the integrity of the force’s financial management.
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