Boost for Workers, Corrections and Courts

Workers, inmates and key justice institutions will receive major financial support in the 2025-2026 National Budget allocations.

Finance Minister Biman Prasad unveiled several firsts during his address in Parliament on Friday.

The Ministry of Employment has been allocated $25million, with funds going toward long overdue workers' compensation, including final payments to the Vatukoula Gold Mine workers.

For the first time, $100,000 has also been set aside for the Fiji Trade Union Congress to run a worker education programme.

"This is a worker-friendly budget," Mr Prasad said.

"It recognises the value of our labour force and brings closure to past disputes while preparing our people for a better future."

Independent institutions such as the Judiciary, Parliament, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), and the Office of the Auditor General will also see budget increases.

The Judiciary will receive $49.5m, Parliament is allocated $17.3m, and FICAC gets $8.5m.

These funds will help ensure legal processes run smoothly and watchdog agencies well-resourced.

The Legal Aid Commission will also carry out a long-awaited Job Evaluation Exercise, aimed at improving staffing and service delivery.

The Fiji Corrections Service will receive $62.5m, including funding to hire 40 new staff members as part of its next phase of reforms.

An additional $lm has been allocated for this recruitment under the Job Evaluation Exercise.

Inmates' basic needs are also being prioritised, with increased funding for food rations and the procurement of uniforms for o f ficers.

"These improvements ensure our corrections facilities are not only secure, but humane," Mr Prasad said.

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