In 1986, former attorney-general and Minister for Justice, Qoriniasi Bale, raised alarms about the unauthorized leaks of government information to the media. Speaking at the Government Training Centre during a week-long course aimed at government supervisors, Bale stressed the necessity of maintaining strict communication protocols regarding sensitive information.
He emphasized that communications with the press should only come from designated press liaison officers or the Director of Information. Bale pointed out a concerning trend where government employees provided sensitive information to external parties prematurely. “Some of you work in sensitive areas where a leakage of information can be beneficial to a recipient or can cause disruption to your program at work,” he noted.
Highlighting the expectations outlined in the Official Secrets Act, Bale called for rigorous compliance among government personnel. While he did not advocate for total secrecy, he encouraged junior officers not to freely engage with the media but to adhere to established channels of communication. He stated, “Naturally, if there are achievements, such should receive wider recognition, which should be brought to the attention of the press liaison officer.”
This historical concern regarding information leaks resonates with current discussions about transparency in government communications. Recently, Attorney-General Graham Leung has emphasized similar themes, urging increased responsiveness and accountability from public entities, particularly in light of Fiji’s Right to Information Act. As public scrutiny on governmental processes intensifies, it is vital for officials to facilitate access to information while safeguarding sensitive data, striking a balance that fosters public trust in governance.
Encouragingly, these reflections highlight a longstanding commitment to developing responsible communication practices in public administration, which can ultimately enhance accountability and strengthen the relationship between the government and its citizens.
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