The Office of the Attorney-General has the resources to begin work on the review of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Act but must wait for Cabinet endorsement before proceeding.
Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga said his office would proceed once policy confirmation was granted.
“Drafting to me is not an issue because we have the resources,” Mr Turaga said.
“We’re also getting assistance from the Commonwealth, with attachments following the Solicitor-General’s meeting in London.
“We just need to get the policy issues clarified.”
Mr Turaga said work on the review began well before the Prime Minister’s public comments about delays.
“It’s been deliberated at my office and will progress from there. As of this morning, I’ve given instructions to do what is necessary, including to the head of drafting.
“There has been some work done, and we have another (Parliament) sitting at the end of November and in December – it’s urgent.”
Mr Turaga said the review was critical for FICAC to operate within its constitutional boundaries following recent court rulings.
“There was a prevailing view before we came into government that FICAC was weaponised.
“We’ve also witnessed recently how matters have been handled by FICAC, and the Commission of Inquiry has made some recommendations.”
Mr Turaga said the ministry would consult the Fiji Law Society before finalising the draft.
“We’ll work with the Fiji Law Society, with its executives and council and seek their views.
“If we set a timetable, we’ll do a targeted consultation.
“There seems to be a good understanding of how we can move forward.”
Mr Turaga, who chairs the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation, said the proposed bill must first go through that committee before reaching Cabinet.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said any amendment to the FICAC Act must be treated as a constitutional amendment under Section 115.
“The coalition will continue discussions to formulate a structure for FICAC. As I’ve said, it must be part of the broader law enforcement framework,” Mr Rabuka said.
