The Fiji government is set to introduce significant legislative changes aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within public offices. These forthcoming bills include revisions to the Information Act, the introduction of a new Code of Conduct Bill, and the establishment of an Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill.
Attorney-General Graham Leung announced these initiatives during Fiji’s human rights review at the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva. He emphasized the importance of these changes, which are in line with sections 25 and 150 of Fiji’s Constitution that guarantee the right of access to information. These constitutional provisions support citizens’ rights to access information held by public offices and stipulate the need for proper handling of any misinformation.
The review of the Information Act 2018 will assess its alignment with its intended purpose, particularly regarding public access to information. The Law Reform Commission will also consider expanding the Act’s scope to include private sector entities and will evaluate the minister’s power to exempt public agencies from the Act’s provisions. Moreover, the review will explore potential amendments to strengthen transparency by enforcing sanctions against those obstructing access to information and protecting whistle-blowers.
In conjunction with this, the proposed Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill 2025 will ensure that public officials are held accountable. The commission—composed of a chairperson and two additional members appointed by the President—aims to foster public trust by clarifying decision-making processes and financial allocations.
Additionally, the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 will address the standards of behavior expected from public office holders, ensuring that complaints related to their conduct are handled effectively.
Overall, these legislative changes reflect a commitment to improving governance in Fiji, fostering greater public engagement, and reinforcing trust in democratic institutions. By enhancing transparency and accountability, the government hopes to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.
In summary, these measures not only aim to enhance governance in Fiji but also signal a more proactive approach in addressing citizens’ rights to information and accountability from their leaders, promoting a more democratic society.
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