The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has voiced concern over the government’s recent restructuring of key ministries, warning that the changes could undermine progress on crucial development reforms.
In a statement, FCOSS National President Sepesa Rasili said the decision to separate the Ministry of Finance from Strategic Planning and National Development was particularly worrying given the reforms currently underway.
“These changes could adversely affect ongoing reforms that hold significant promise for people-centred development and evidence-based policymaking in Fiji,” Rasili said.
He noted that FCOSS had long supported reforms in public finance management (PFM), covering planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and had been encouraged by the Ministry’s recent responsiveness to evidence-based advocacy.
“The former Ministry of Finance had begun working immediately to respond to the evidence and advocacy provided by FCOSS — from enhancing transparency in annual budget cycles to addressing implementation bottlenecks,” he said.
Rasili also praised achievements in national planning, including the completion of the new National Development Plan, the rollout of an implementation plan, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training for government agencies.
“The importance of these achievements cannot be overstated,” he said.
“We contributed actively and free of charge to support these efforts, knowing they deliver tangible results for the citizens of this country.”
He added that the Ministry had made progress in Disaster Risk Financing, while the Fiji Bureau of Statistics was advancing work on a draft National Population Policy, which FCOSS believes will fill a critical gap in national planning.
However, Rasili questioned the rationale for moving these key responsibilities under the Office of the Prime Minister, citing concerns about its recent performance.
“The Office of the Prime Minister’s performance has been marked by instances of confusing announcements, turnover of permanent secretaries, and accusations of biased appointments,” he said.
“Consolidating these key portfolios under an agency with such a performance record will not benefit the public.”
He said describing the restructuring as a move for “streamlining and efficiency” appeared illogical, warning instead that it could be politically motivated.
“This signals a potential decision based on political convenience and a disconnect from the principle that the civil service is fundamentally supposed to serve the people,” Rasili said.
FCOSS has urged the government to reconsider the restructuring and ensure that reforms remain focused on people-centred development and good governance.
