PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says any restructuring of Fiji’s civil service will be guided by service delivery objectives and performance targets rather than arbitrary staffing reductions.
Mr Rabuka made the comment in response to criticism that the Government’s expansion of the civil service had contributed to rising operating costs.
He said any changes to the public service would focus on improving outcomes and ensuring government services met required objectives.
Meanwhile, Fiji Public Service Association general secretary Judith Kotobalavu said there was no fixed “right size” for Fiji’s civil service, warning that downsizing could result in job losses and affect service delivery.
Ms Kotobalavu said growth in operating expenditure could not be attributed solely to the size of the public service.
“Public servants are an investment in essential services such as healthcare, education, policing and social welfare, not simply a budgetary cost,” she said.
“The increase in operating expenditure is driven by several factors, including inflation, rising operational costs, debt servicing and the expansion of Government programs.”
Ms Kotobalavu said fiscal sustainability should be achieved through better management of public resources while maintaining a well-resourced public service capable of delivering quality services.
She said the size of the civil service should be determined by service delivery needs through evidence-based workforce planning and consultation with trade unions.
“FPSA opposes arbitrary job cuts that undermine public services and maintains that any restructuring must be fair, transparent, and consistent with the Employment Relations Act 2007.
“The goal should be an effective, well-resourced public service that delivers quality services while ensuring decent work for employees.
“FPSA believes that fiscal sustainability should not come at the expense of public servants or the quality of public services.”
