Call for demarcation of permanent secretaries’ roles

A submission to Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission is calling for a shift in how authority is exercised within Government ministries.

Concerns have been raised about potential political interference in administrative decisions.

The recommendation, put forward by Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga, focuses on Section 127(7) of the Constitution.

The clause currently grants permanent secretaries the authority to appoint, dismiss, and discipline ministry staff, but only with the agreement of the relevant minister.

The association is calling for the removal of the phrase “with agreement of the Minister”, arguing that it undermines the independence of permanent secretaries and opens the door to excessive political involvement in administrative matters.

In the submission, Mr Manumanunitoga said permanent secretaries should be empowered to manage their ministries independently, guided by established frameworks such as the General Orders and policies of the Ministry of Civil Service.

The role of ministers, it argues, should be limited to providing support and oversight rather than direct involvement in personnel decisions.

He said the proposal would still allow ministers to play a role in evaluating the performance of permanent secretaries, particularly in assessing their suitability for contract renewal.

However, the submission warns that retaining the current clause risks enabling ministers to micromanage ministries, potentially interfering with the responsibilities and effectiveness of senior civil servants.

The recommendation adds to broader discussions on governance and accountability as Fiji continues its constitutional review process.