It was good news for the civil servants with the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama announcing a major pay rise for staff.

The Prime Minister says this is being done to retain the best staff to serve the people of Fiji.

“Government services: Government is committed to reforming and modernizing the civil service. As servants of the public we must always remember we are here to serve our fellow Fijians. From January 1st, 2013 all established staffs in the civil service will receive a minimum salary of $10,000 a year; this pay rise will benefit 1,663 civil servants. In addition all unestablished government wage earners will receive a 10% pay rise also effective from 1 January 2013 and this will benefit 2,878 government wage earners. We will introduce performance based bonuses throughout the civil services this underscores my government’s fundamental belief that individuals should be rewarded on accomplishments and merit.”