Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called upon all civil servants to embody “honour, diligence, and discipline” as the government embarks on significant reforms within the public sector. During the recent parliamentary debate on the 2025-2026 Budget, Rabuka emphasized the necessity for a civil service that performs efficiently, reflecting the citizens’ expectations.
Starting on August 1, civil servants will benefit from a 3 percent salary increase, which is projected to inject over $30 million into households nationwide. This pay rise serves to alleviate the rising cost of living and establishes a new baseline for the national minimum wage. Rabuka further highlighted that the Public Service Commission (PSC) is focusing on retaining competent permanent secretaries (PSs) by placing them on initial four-year contracts that are subject to extensions based on their performance and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Rabuka described the forthcoming reforms as comprehensive rather than superficial, aiming to enhance operational efficiency within the civil service. He stated, “The mission is clear, a modern, capable, responsive, and resilient civil service that serves all Fijians, fairly, efficiently, and with pride for the long term.”
Past discussions from government officials, including Minister Manoa Kamikamica, suggest that while many civil servants demonstrate dedication, systemic inefficiencies remain prevalent within the public sector. There is a shared commitment to transform the civil service culture, drawing comparisons to successful private sector models for improved productivity. Efforts, such as the establishment of a training institute for civil servants, have been hinted at to ensure better performance.
These initiatives foster optimism that the reforms will ultimately improve service delivery and accountability, establishing a civil service that meets the aspirations of the Fijian people. By promoting a culture of responsibility alongside the recent salary increase, the government hopes to elevate public service standards, paving the way for a more responsive and effective governance model.
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