The Fiscal Review Committee in its recently released report says there are a number of “poorly used” civil servants in Fiji.
It recommended the Public Service Commission should assume responsibility and regain oversight, if not control, of all civil service personnel.
“Looking for opportunities to share services, and to re-deploy poorly used people and resources, should be a central focus of government operations,” the committee said.
“Individual departments and their heads do not have incentives to look critically at their staff and assets and consider whether they could be better used elsewhere.
“This should change, with department heads incentivised to achieve productivity gains (more outputs at lower cost).
“Re-deployment could be part of the role of a reinvigorated National Planning Office or a separate agency.
“Specifically, on the resources side, a focused approach should drive the search for economies in reducing overhead costs including rented properties, transport (including motor vehicle pooling), energy costs, stationery and paperless strategies.
“Cost-driven private sector management could offer significant advice, if asked and mobilised on the personnel side, the Public Service Commission could assume responsibility for redeployment (and to regain oversight, if not control, of all civil service personnel).”
