We, the undersigned members of the Fiji Public Service Association and the Fiji Council of Social Services, alongside concerned citizens of Fiji, respectfully submit this petition to the Honourable Members of Parliament with the following urgent calls for action:

1. Immediate reversal of the Determination of Parliament Based on the Emoluments Committee’s Recommendations

We call upon the members of parliament to reverse the determination made on the 25th of May, 2024 based on the recommendations of the emoluments committee. The current decision has significant implications for public trust and the perception of fairness in parliamentary remunerations. We believe that an immediate reversal is necessary to maintain the integrity and accountability of parliamentary processes.

2. Comprehensive Review of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act

We further call on the Fiji Parliament to undertake a thorough review of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act. This review should explicitly include the following provision:

a) Annual Performance Review Mechanism:

We propose the introduction of an annual review of members of parliament's performance, upon which the emoluments committee can deliberate any proposals for changes to salaries and conditions. This performance review mechanism must encompass:

i. Summary of Agency/Portfolio Outcomes:

A comprehensive summary of relevant agency and portfolio outcomes should be presented, aligning with the National Development Plan and pertinent Sustainable Development Goals. This ensures that the performance assessment is directly linked to the nation’s strategic development priorities.

ii. Citizens’ Assessment Report: 

A report by the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji summarizing submissions from citizens regarding their assessment of the conduct and performance of members of parliament and relevant members of the executive arm of government. This inclusivity ensures that the voices of the citizens are heard and considered in the evaluation process.

iii. Representation from Private and Civil Society Sectors:

Inclusion of representatives from private and civil society sectors in the review process. Their participation ensures a balanced and diverse perspective, contributing to a fair and transparent evaluation of parliamentary performance.

3. Repealing of Gazette 41/2024

We call for the repeal of Gazette No 41 of 2024, on the Determination to amend the salaries payable under Part A and Part B of the Schedule to the Parliamentary Remunerations Act 2014 based on the Emoluments Committee’s Recommendations. 

 4. Increase salaries for civil servants and government wage earners (GWE)

We further call for the implementation of across the Board salary increase for the whole civil service including the GWEs in the 2024 – 2025 National Budget. The salary increase for the aforementioned is long overdue and must be a top priority for the Coalition government due to the high cost of living, and with the inflation rate surging to more than 7% affecting household budgets for the working poor. It is to be noted that the last salary increase for civil servants was in 2017.

5. Implementation of the National Minimum Wage (NMW)

 The National Minimum wage still remains at $4/hr which needs an immediate upward increase be implemented by the Coalition government for other workers immediately as workers are struggling to meet the daily expenses and to put decent food on the table for the family.      

6. Conclusion

The implementation of these measures is crucial to enhance accountability, transparency, and public trust in the parliamentary system. We urge the Honourable Members of Parliament to consider this petition earnestly and take the necessary steps to effect these changes before implementing their self enrichment plan by voting $8.1 million for their parliamentary salaries.

We appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to your prompt action in addressing our concerns.

 

Sincerely,

• Fiji Public Service Association
• Fiji Nursing Association
• Fijian Teachers Association
• Fiji Bank & Finance Sector Employees Union
• Fiji Commercial and Factory Workers Union
• Fiji Union of Public Workers
• Fiji Council of Social Services  
• Concerned Citizens of Fiji

This petition represents a collective call for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the governance of our nation. We trust that the Honourable Members of Parliament will give due consideration to our requests.