Government offices and their associated entities may soon be required to provide requested information to the public. This announcement was made by Attorney-General Graham Leung during a media conference addressing Fiji’s Right to Information Act. According to Leung, any organization funded by taxpayers should be accountable for sharing information that citizens seek.
Leung emphasized the importance of transparency, particularly among government bodies and statutory corporations such as the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) and the Water Authority. He highlighted that the public has a right to be informed about how these organizations operate since they are funded by public money. For example, individuals in rural areas, like those in Lutu, Naitasiri, should have access to vital information, such as reasons behind medicine shortages at local health centers.
The Attorney-General also pointed out that the prompt release of such information is crucial. If citizens receive responses to their inquiries six months after their requests, the information loses its relevance. He acknowledged that while the public service’s capacity to provide information may be limited, timely access remains essential.
Tobey Mendel, executive director of the Centre for Law and Democracy, raised concerns regarding the efficiency of the legislation but expressed optimism about possible innovations for small island nations like Fiji. He mentioned that the proposals they intend to present could lead to Fiji’s law being the first in the world to implement these innovative measures. The proposed changes aim to ensure that all branches of government and entities funded or controlled by the government fall under the ambit of the Act.
This move towards increased transparency and accountability is hopeful, as it underscores the government’s commitment to serving the public better and fostering a culture of openness.
In summary, the push for improved transparency among government offices is a significant development in Fiji, indicating a potential shift towards greater accountability and public engagement in government matters.
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