Hon. Inia Seruiratu to ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Service and Public Enterprises, and Information – Can the Prime Minister update Parliament on the progress of the review of the entire Civil Service structure and emoluments-(06-08-2025)

1.0 Introduction

1.1    Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to respond to Question 104/2025 and thank the Hon. Inia Seruiratu for bringing this matter to the attention of Parliament.

 1.2    Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Government of Fiji has allocated FJD 440,000 for a limited-scope functional review for this FY. This initial phase will focus on assessing capability across people, processes, and systems, rather than conducting a whole-of-government productivity review.

1.3    A five (5)member committee will be formed with diverse expertise in public sector administration comprising of three (3) national & two (2) international members and the Chairperson will be a senior national expert with extensive knowledge of government systems.

1.4    Mr. Speaker, Sir, while the Ministry is targeting market engagement by October 2025, the Government will continue engagement with development partners for co-funding support for the remaining phases of the functional review.

 1.5    Upon completion of the functional review, consideration will be given for undertaking a job evaluation exercise. This will be based on findings and recommendations and the way forward as agreed by Cabinet.

 1.6    Mister Speaker Sir, In the second phase a limited-scope functional review of the Fiji Civil Service is a focused, time-bound assessment designed to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment of specific functions, ministries, or systems within the civil service.

 1.7    It does not attempt to overhaul the entire public sector but instead zooms in on critical areas with the potential for high-impact reform or performance gains.

 1.8    Mr. Speaker, Sir, the purpose of the review are to:

1. Identify overlaps, inefficiencies, and capacity gaps in selected government functions or ministries.
2. Support rationalisation of mandates, roles, and structures to improve service delivery.

• Ensure alignment with national priorities (e.g. the Fiji National Development Plan, Public Sector Reform Agenda); and

1. Inform budgetary planning, workforce management, and digital transformation.

 1.9    Mr. Speaker, Sir, a limited-scope functional review will focus on:

1. A subset of ministries (e.g. Ministry of Finance, MCS, and key service delivery agencies).
2. A specific function across ministries, such as:
   1. HR and workforce planning
   2. ICT and digitisation
   3. Policy development and coordination
   4. Procurement and financial management

• How well the Ministry of Civil Service supports merit-based recruitment, individual performance, job evaluation and training.

1. How aligned the current structure of ministries is with their mandates and core functions.
2. The readiness of ministries to digitise services

 1.10  It is envisioned that the review will entail re-alignment of roles, merger of overlapping functions including staffing levels, job analysis & redesign, reducing excessive recruitment, evaluating roles and responsibilities as essential.

1.11  In the long term, these measures will enhance efficiency and lead to more sustainable staffing and budgeting, remuneration setting, aligning Ministry functions more closely with current needs and fiscal realities, thereby optimizing Government operations.

 1.12  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the review is essential, and we must support this initiative

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.