Parliament flags bias perceptions in civil service hiring

Parliament has highlighted persistent public perceptions of ethnicity-based appointments and favouritism in civil service recruitment, recommending that the Government improve communication to address those concerns.

The issue was raised by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in its review of the Ministry of Civil Service's 2022–2023 Annual Report, tabled in Parliament last week.

The committee found that recruitment is conducted under a formal Recruitment Policy, formerly known as the Open Merit Recruitment System, with interview panel members required to declare any conflicts of interest before participating in the selection process.

However, applicants are not provided with detailed scoring breakdowns after recruitment exercises.

"Public perceptions of ethnicity-based appointments and favouritism persist," the report stated.

The committee noted that while the ministry relies on formal policies and approving authorities to ensure fairness, there has been limited proactive public communication to address those perceptions.

The report also found that some senior officers remain on Salary Step 1 while newly recruited or more junior officers are placed on higher salary steps, raising concerns about equity in pay placement.

Salary step progression under the Performance Management Framework remains on hold because of budget constraints, meaning civil servants are not advancing through salary increments despite rising living costs.

The committee recommended that the ministry strengthen communication with applicants and the wider public on recruitment processes, conflict-of-interest safeguards and avenues for procedural review.

Civil servants who believe recruitment procedures were not properly followed may seek a review through the Public Service Commission.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj