Concerns raised over ministerial powers in Fiji's Indigenous Rights Bill

Fiji's proposed Indigenous Rights Bill faces scrutiny over the significant authority vested in the Minister. Faith Grace from Stand With Niko Advocacy voiced concerns before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, highlighting that the Minister, a political appointee, might not always align with the perspectives of Indigenous leaders and communities.

Grace specifically questioned provisions that grant the Minister power to make crucial decisions on behalf of Indigenous people. She argued that this arrangement creates a gap in oversight, as the Minister is not subject to the same accountability measures, such as fines and prison terms, that apply to others. "If he’s not going to be held accountable, then why do we have the fines and the prison terms? That is for everybody else except for the minister," Grace stated.

The advocacy group is calling for the implementation of more robust safeguards. These measures aim to ensure that ministerial decisions are fully accountable and consistently reflect the best interests of Indigenous communities and their governance structures. The group emphasizes the need for a system that upholds Indigenous autonomy and prevents potential misrepresentation by political appointees.

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If he’s not going to be held accountable, then why do we have the fines and the prison terms? That is for everybody else except for the minister.