Government offices and their subsidiaries may soon be required to provide requested information to the public, according to Attorney-General Graham Leung. Speaking at a media conference on Fiji’s Right to Information Act, Leung emphasized that any institutions funded by taxpayer dollars must fulfill this obligation.
Leung highlighted the importance of transparency, particularly for government, commercial, and statutory organizations such as the Energy Fiji Limited, the Water Authority, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji. He reiterated that the public has a rightful interest in overseeing how these entities operate since they are funded by taxpayers.
For example, he stated that if a resident from a rural area like Lutu in Naitasiri wished to understand the reasons behind a shortage of medicine at their local health center, they should have access to that information.
He also noted that the timing of information release is critical. Information provided six months after a request loses its relevance, undermining the objective of the Right to Information Act. Leung acknowledged the constraints faced by public servants, implying the need for a balance between efficiency and capability.
Tobey Mendel, executive director of the Centre for Law and Democracy, expressed concerns regarding the operational efficiency of the legislation. He pointed out that Fiji’s small population allows for unique opportunities to develop innovative proposals aimed at improving information accessibility. These proposals might even position Fiji as a leader in this area on a global scale.
The aim of the legislation is to encompass all branches of government and any entities owned, controlled, or funded by them, thereby enhancing the scope and effectiveness of the Right to Information Act.
In summary, the push for greater transparency and access to information could signify a positive step towards more accountable governance in Fiji, fostering a culture where citizens feel empowered to inquire and engage with their government. This initiative could create a more informed public and ultimately lead to improved public trust in government institutions.
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