Parliament last week passed the Statistics Bill 2026, paving the way for a major overhaul of Fiji’s national statistical system aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and improving the reliability of official data.
While presenting the Bill, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described the legislation as a “significant forward-looking legislative reform” that would repeal the outdated Statistics Act of 1961 and establish a modern framework aligned with international standards and global best practices.
“At its core, the Bill reflects the Government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and strengthening the institutions that support national planning and development,” Mr Rabuka said. He said the new law would strengthen the reliability, relevance, timeliness and accessibility of official statistics to support policy formulation, research and national development planning.
Mr Rabuka said extensive consultations were carried out across the country before the Bill was finalised, with 111 villages visited and more than 116 stakeholders consulted, including Government agencies, academics and development partners.
“The consultations demonstrated overwhelming support for modernising Fiji’s statistical legislation and strengthening the national statistical system.”
A key reform under the legislation is the establishment of a Statistical Advisory Council to guide national statistical priorities, policy reforms and quality improvements.
Mr Rabuka said the Bill would also reinforce confidentiality and data protection measures while promoting the use of digital statistical systems and modern data management practices.
“This Bill lays the foundation for a stronger, smarter and more accountable Fiji.”
