Justice budget will not meet growing demands: Turaga

Fiji's justice sector faces significant challenges as its allocated budget falls short of meeting escalating demands, according to Acting Attorney General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga. The Minister highlighted that the revitalized Fiji Law Reform Commission, which has taken on a greater workload since 2023, is crucial in supporting ministries with major legislative reviews.

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the justice sector’s budget will not be enough to meet growing demands

Turaga explained that the Law Reform Commission had been effectively defunded and left without staff under the previous FijiFirst Government, which undermined the law reform process. Currently, the Commission reviews proposed laws, producing reports, draft bills, and cabinet papers before legislation moves through the government and parliament. This work is vital for streamlining the legislative process and reducing the burden on government legal drafters.

Key reviews undertaken by the Commission include legislation related to electoral matters, agriculture, land, mineral resources, cyber security, and trafficking in persons. These comprehensive reviews underscore the commission's expanding role and its importance to the functioning of the justice system.

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The Commission was effectively defunded under the previous FijiFirst Government, leaving it without staff and undermining the law reform process.

Despite the Law Reform Commission's significant contributions and the Minister's pride in its delivery, Turaga conceded that the current budget is inadequate. He also pointed out the government's dependence on international partners, such as the FAO and WHO, for technical assistance. Ultimately, Turaga believes that no amount of funding will entirely meet the growing demands on the justice system, emphasizing the ongoing need for efficient resource management and external support.

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no level of funding is likely to fully meet the growing demands on the justice system