The budget of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has seen significant growth since its establishment in 2007, rising from $1.5 million to nearly $10.5 million in the latest financial year, accumulating a total budget allocation of approximately $139.2 million over that period. Despite this substantial financial investment, Attorney-General Graham Leung expressed concerns regarding FICAC’s effectiveness and independence, hinting that such funding has not translated into improved results.
Leung highlighted that, currently, FICAC employs 144 staff members, including 14 lawyers, yet this increase in budget and personnel has not led to a corresponding rise in the resolution of complaints or public trust in the agency. He questioned the tangible outcomes of the significant resources allocated, urging the public to understand how taxpayer money has been utilized and what measurable results have been achieved.
Notably, he pointed out a lack of accountability for major corruption cases and large-scale projects where public funds have been mismanaged. Examples include the $40 million spent on the incomplete Fiji National University Labasa campus, which was only 47 percent finished when construction halted, and the still-unfinished Lautoka swimming pool project. Leung indicated that these issues might be symptoms of deeper systemic corruption within major capital projects, stating there seems to be little accountability regarding how these funds have been managed.
The article echoes previous discussions about the need for an effective anti-corruption framework in Fiji and aligns with the calls for a specialized anti-corruption court, which could enhance FICAC’s capabilities in addressing these issues effectively. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has previously emphasized this need, believing that such a court would bolster FICAC’s operational efficiency and foster a culture of integrity.
This raised awareness of the challenges FICAC faces offers hope that ultimately, through continued scrutiny and advocacy, improvements can be made in governance, leading to enhanced accountability and integrity in dealing with corruption. Encouraging citizen involvement and vigilance could foster a robust resistance against corruption and develop a more transparent governance system in Fiji.
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