ACTING Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga is ecstatic about the $1million allocation for the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) under the 2026-27 National Budget.
Mr Turaga said the complete review and amendment of the 2013 Constitution had been long overdue, noting that Fijians had been complaining year after year for it to be changed.
“We have probably another week or so for the CRC to complete, 31st August to submit to PM, cabinet to Parliament,” he said.
“I am excited, and everybody should. People have been complaining all these years, and we have a widespread of people, they have been very inclusive and comprehensive, visiting places where the government do not visit. ”
Mr Turaga emphasised that the voices of ordinary citizens are what make this specific constitutional process unique.
“Come a time, we mature as a nation. We have to use our local resources and expertise.”
He noted that the ministry has been advised that it will require more lawyers to assist with the preparation of the final report.
Consequently, the AG’s office is eager to advance the workload over the coming weeks and months.
“This is one of the key deliverables to the nation. There is a clear separation of powers between the judiciary, executive and parliament and of course, the freedom of the people of Fiji.
“Nobody should be complaining.”
