Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Functional Review of the Civil Service could include right-sizing as the Government continues efforts to modernise the public service.
During the Committee of Supply debate on the Ministry of Civil Service's 2026-2027 National Budget, Opposition MP Jone Usamate questioned the $400,000 allocated for the Functional Review of the Civil Service.
Rabuka says in response to the various comments and observations made by the Members of the Opposition, the Ministry continues to listen to them, and they continue to try to adjust the civil service to the budget and also to the evolution of the civil service.
He says the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service is also being used to make recommendations.
When Usamate asked whether the review could include suggestions of right-sizing the civil service, Rabuka responded that this is one of its objectives.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel has earlier clarified that the objective is not simply to reduce numbers, it is to build a modern, efficient and productive public service, capable of delivering better outcomes for the people of Fiji.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar also questioned why the review of the Civil Service Guidelines had not been completed.
Rabuka says the review is an ongoing process being undertaken by the Permanent Secretary and the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service.
Opposition MP Hem Chand then asked when the functional review would be completed and whether additional funding would be required.
Rabuka says the review should be seen as an ongoing process because the civil service continues to evolve with the introduction of technology, adding that some work currently carried out by civil servants could eventually be undertaken by machines and computers.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar then questioned whether the Government has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy for the civil service or plans to introduce one that would apply across all ministries.
She asked whether such a policy was already in place or whether the Government intended to adopt one for the entire public service.
Immanuel clarified that AI forms part of the Ministry of Communications' strategy.
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu also sought clarification on Australia's role in supporting the functional review, noting that assistance had been announced in the 2025-2026 National Budget.
Rabuka confirmed that Australia continues to assist the review and provides support through self-funded initiatives while cooperation between the two governments continues.
