Headline: Fiji tightens transparency in public finances with digitised reporting and stronger oversight
The government is accelerating its push for more transparency and accountability in public finances, in response to Auditor-General reports and Public Accounts Committee findings that flagged wastage, mismanagement, and irregular spending dating back to 2007 and 2008. Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the priority is to have financial reports prepared and presented to Parliament in a timely manner.
A key piece of the reform is a new digitised system to replace the old payroll platform, which had been in place for four decades. “We had a 40-year-old payroll system that we replaced in the last 18 months. It is working now,” Prasad said, acknowledging early teething problems in some ministries but noting that online reporting is largely up and running.
The Auditor-General’s Office has also been strengthened, with greater powers and full access to ministries’ information to ensure independent oversight. Prasad said the Coalition Government has fostered an environment of accountability and transparency and will continue to address the shortcomings highlighted by the Auditor-General across various ministries.
Context and added value
– The push for stronger financial control comes after years of concerns about how funds are managed, including recent reminders about unspent allocations and the need for tighter monitoring. Reports and related government strategies have highlighted the importance of ensuring every dollar is used effectively, particularly in infrastructure and essential services.
– Prior efforts include establishing a monitoring and evaluation unit to oversee budget utilisation and improve reporting, with a view to closing gaps between allocations and actual expenditure. The government has also moved to streamline procurement by extending digital systems to purchasing, reducing bureaucratic delays and improving speed and accuracy in financial transactions.
– There is ongoing collaboration with international partners to address procurement and supply challenges, including efforts to improve access to medicines and critical health supplies. These reforms are intended to bolster public confidence in how tax dollars are spent and support sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades, and social services.
– While some improvements have been achieved, authorities emphasise that better budget management requires ongoing engagement with permanent secretaries and ministries, as well as continued transparency in reporting to Parliament and the public.
Summary
The government is advancing digitisation, strengthening oversight, and expanding access to financial information as part of a broader drive to improve budget discipline, transparency, and accountability. The aim is to restore public trust, ensure timely reporting, and better align spending with national priorities and citizens’ needs.
Positive note
This reform trajectory signals a hopeful path toward more efficient use of resources, strengthened governance, and greater public confidence in Fiji’s financial management.
Commentary
– The move to digitise payroll and expand online reporting can significantly reduce delays and errors, but ongoing training and system reliability will be crucial to sustain momentum.
– Strengthening the Auditor-General’s powers and access reinforces independent oversight, which is essential for credible financial stewardship.
– Continued emphasis on monitoring, evaluation, and budget transparency will be important to ensure that reform translates into tangible improvements in services and infrastructure.
Fijian summary
Na ivakadinadina e Viti
Na matanitu e curu ki na veivakadonui kei na veitokoni ni ilavo public. Na matanivola ena Vakaraitaki ni Ilavo o Prof. Biman Prasad e tukuna ni sa dua na sistem vou ni digitised me itukutuku ki Parlimen, ka sa vakavinakataki talega na vakarautaki ni ilavo e dua na nodra rawa na paraveta na Auditor-General. Sa qai vakavinakataki na iyau ni Auditor-General me rawata na itukutuki mai na kato ni veidigdigi ni miniti, ka nanumi kina na nodra vakatulewa na veiliutaki. E vakabibitaka na matanitu na veika e cakacaka tiko me balansi kina na ilavo me yacova na i-ita ni vuravura, me vukea na veiqaravi, na ivakavakacaka ni itukutuku, kei na vakabula ni ilavo public.
Subheading: Na iVola ni Viti – Viavialevu ni veivakadonui kei na veivakadonui ni ilavo public.
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