People with previous criminal convictions can be employed in the public service says Attorney-General and Minister for Finance Aiyaz-Sayed Khaiyum.

Opposition member Ratu Sela Nanovo raised an oral question on whether people with criminal convictions can be employed in the public service.

“The Constitution of the Republic of Fiji says under Section 26 that a person must not be unfairly discriminated directly or indirectly on a whole range of issues including supposed personal characteristics or circumstances or social status.”

He also highlighted Sections 1, 2, 3 of the Constitution which outlines the values and principles of State Service and the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Irrelevant Convictions Act 1997).

“Section 7 of that Act says an employer cannot refuse to employ any person by reasons solely of the existence of an irrelevant conviction of that other person.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also said providin the list of people employed in the Public Service, with previous criminal convictions, as requested by Opposition member Ratu Sela Nanovo would be against the law.

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