Fiji PSC Rolls Out Nationwide Public Service Training Backed by Australia

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Fiji is making significant strides in addressing public complaints by launching new training programs designed to enhance government services. Chair of the PSC, Luke Rokovada, stated that these initiatives aim to directly confront persistent issues raised by Fiji’s citizens and various government ministries.

Rokovada emphasized the importance of identifying the specific complaints before tailoring training programs to effectively address them. “First we have to establish what areas we need to address, and we will devise training programs,” he explained. As part of this initiative, the PSC is committed to decentralizing training opportunities, extending them beyond the capital city of Suva. While some training sessions are already available online via Zoom, there remains a strong preference among participants to attend in person.

This reform effort is buoyed by an extensive partnership with Australia, which allocates $40 million annually over four years, focusing on enhancing governance, economic development, and public sector capabilities. Additionally, support from Japan and New Zealand further strengthens the PSC’s initiatives.

In relation to health services, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed concerns regarding payments to private doctors working under government agreements, assuring them that the delays are due to administrative verification processes rather than any intent to withhold payment. “It’s not that they won’t be paid — the delay is administrative and for verification, to ensure they are authorized to practice,” he clarified.

The PSC’s broader objective is clear: to build a more robust and efficient public service that delivers improved outcomes for all Fijians. This commitment is increasingly important as the nation seeks to not only respond to existing challenges but also to adopt more effective governance strategies that engender public trust and engagement in government operations. Overall, the focused training and collaboration with international partners herald a hopeful future for enhanced public service delivery in Fiji.