The Commissioner of Police would be required to consider gender and ethnic equity when recruiting applicants of equal merit under proposed changes to the Fiji Police Bill 2026.
The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights has recommended replacing the word “may” with “must” in Clause 12(3), making the consideration of diversity a mandatory obligation rather than a discretionary one.
Under the proposed amendment, where two or more applicants are of equal merit, the Commissioner must take into account the need for the Fiji Police Force to include officers from diverse backgrounds and promote gender and ethnic equity.
The committee raised concerns about whether the original provision adequately promoted gender equality.
Its report states that the proposed change would impose a mandatory obligation on the Commissioner, an amendment supported by the Ministry responsible for policing.
However, the recommendation does not remove the requirement for police recruitment and promotions to be based on merit.
Clause 12 provides that preference must be given to the applicant best qualified and suited for the position.
The assessment of merit includes integrity, psychological suitability, conduct, qualifications, skills, experience and physical fitness.
The proposed change would therefore require gender and ethnic equity to be considered when applicants are assessed as having equal merit, rather than replacing merit as the basis for recruitment.
The recommendation forms part of the committee’s review of the Fiji Police Bill 2026, which seeks to repeal and replace the Police Act 1965.
The committee has also recommended amendments to other provisions of the Bill to strengthen accountability, clarify responsibilities and improve safeguards.
The proposed amendments will be subject to Parliament’s consideration.
