Attorney-General Graham Leung has taken a significant step by reintroducing the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 in Parliament, highlighting its urgent need for consideration under Standing Order 51. This legislation is designed to modernize the framework of integrity and accountability for public office holders in Fiji, ensuring that ethical conduct is a priority in governance.
Leung emphasized the importance of referring the bill to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, with a request for a report during the April Sitting of Parliament. The proposed law extends the code of conduct to include officials not currently addressed by existing Fijian regulations, underlining the necessity for all public office holders to maintain ethical standards.
A key feature of the bill is its stipulation for active monitoring of compliance with these ethical standards, a responsibility assigned to the chairperson of the Accountability and Transparency Commission. This initiative represents a clear commitment to ensuring that all personnel within public enterprises adhere to integrity and ethical behavior in their roles.
The obligations detailed in the bill aim to align services with established codes of conduct, promoting respect and fairness in interactions with the Fijian populace. Leung’s statements reflect a fundamental shift towards fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and respect among public officials, all essential for the trust of the citizens they serve.
This effort holds particular importance as it aligns with the constitutional mandate outlined in Section 149, which necessitates a written law to govern the behavior of various public office roles. The current bill’s reintroduction follows previous attempts, such as the Code of Conduct Bill 2016, which paused after Parliament’s dissolution.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has voiced his support for the Code of Conduct Bill 2025, declaring it crucial for enhancing trust in public institutions and raising the standards expected from public officials. The collaboration between Leung and Rabuka illustrates a collective determination to promote transparency and accountability within Fiji’s political framework.
This legislative measure could pave the way for fostering greater public engagement and participation in governance. By reinforcing standards of conduct and ensuring accountability, the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 represents a hopeful advancement toward a more democratic and trustworthy governance in Fiji.
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