Attorney-General Graham Leung has reintroduced the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 in Parliament, emphasizing its urgent consideration under Standing Order 51. The bill aims to modernize the integrity and accountability framework for public office holders in Fiji. Leung stated that it should be referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, which must then report back during the April Sitting of Parliament.
The legislation seeks to extend codes of conduct to officials not currently covered by existing Fijian laws, reinforcing the importance of ethical behavior among public office holders. The bill mandates that compliance with these standards be actively monitored, with responsibilities assigned to the chairperson of the Accountability and Transparency Commission. This move reflects a commitment to ensuring that all public enterprise personnel adhere to ethical standards in their roles.
Leung articulated that the obligations laid out in the bill aspire to provide services that align with established codes of conduct. He emphasized that these principles highlight the necessity for public entities to deliver respectful and fair service to the Fijian people. The overarching principles of the codes dictate that public office holders must act with integrity, maintain accountability, and treat the populace with respect.
This bill is particularly significant given the constitutional mandate found in Section 149, which calls for a written law to establish such a code applicable to various public office roles. The reintroduction of this bill follows a historical context where a similar initiative, the Code of Conduct Bill 2016, was put forth but ultimately lapsed after Parliament’s dissolution during its review.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed support for this legislative move, outlining it as essential in enhancing trust in public institutions and improving the overall standards expected from public officials. The collective efforts from both Leung and Rabuka indicate a positive momentum towards fostering transparency, accountability, and respect within Fiji’s political framework.
These developments signal a hopeful trajectory for governance in Fiji, potentially leading to a more participatory and engaged citizenry as accountability measures take root in the public sector. By reinforcing public trust and establishing clear behavioral standards, this initiative could contribute to a more robust democratic landscape in the nation.
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