STATEMENT BY DEPUTY SECRETARY PRIMARY SECONDARY ON TERMINATION OF FOUR HR OFFICERS
The Deputy Secretary Primary Secondary, Mr Timoci Bure refutes claims on the recent allegations concerning the conduct of the Honourable Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, specifically regarding interference in disciplinary matters, unlawful termination of staff, and abuse of power within the Ministry’s human resource functions.
“I wish to state at this point in time that the decision to terminate these four HR officers resulted from a rigorous evaluation process aimed at maintaining the integrity and efficacy of our MOE HR practices as this decision was made based on a thorough review of their performance and adherence to the MOE policies,” said Mr Bure.
He asserted that it is crucial to note that this matter is currently under judicial review, as these individuals have chosen to contest their termination in court. As this case proceeds through the legal system, these HR officers must respect and adhere to the principle of due process and respect the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Allegations that these terminations were retaliatory are unsubstantiated and contradicted by the fact that these officers were reappointed after undergoing the formal recruitment process during the Minister’s temporary dismissal. Their subsequent termination occurred following their return to office and after due process.”
The Deputy Secretary Primary Secondary categorically denies any unlawful interference by the Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro in disciplinary processes or staff terminations and stated that all employment decisions have been conducted in strict accordance with the Employment Relations Act 2007 (ERA), the Constitution of Fiji 2013, and the General Orders 2011.
“These frameworks mandate due process, including proper notice periods and payment of entitlements where applicable. The former HR managers’ grievances have been formally lodged with the Ministry of Employment’s Mediation Department, which is the appropriate legal channel for resolving such disputes under the ERA. The Ministry respects this process and will abide by any rulings or subsequent judicial outcomes.”
On the recruitment process and alleged abuse of power claims that the Minister unlawfully brought in a staff member from Parliament without following recruitment protocols have been internally reviewed.
The Ministry confirms adherence to the Fijian Civil Service Open Merit Recruitment and Selection Guidelines, the Public Service Act 1999, all of which ensure merit-based, transparent, and competitive recruitment processes. The Minister’s involvement in recruitment decisions is within his legal authority.
“It should also be taken into consideration that sideways transfers are allowed within government ministries, and it depends on the Head of Government approving the process. The Minister did not just pluck out of oblivion. Parliament as an independent government arm was approached and formal releases was granted to the officer to transfer to MOE,” stated Mr Bure.
The Following Legal and Policy Frameworks Governing HR Practices in the Ministry of Education:
• Employment Relations Act 2007: Governs lawful employment, termination, grievance procedures, and mandates fair processes with access to mediation and legal recourse.
• Constitution of Fiji 2013: Ensures fairness, non-discrimination, and adherence to public service values in employment decisions.
• General Orders 2011 & Public Service Act 1999: Establish merit-based recruitment and prohibit favoritism and abuse of power.
• Fijian Civil Service Open Merit Recruitment Selection Guideline: Enforces transparent, competitive recruitment processes, which the Ministry complies with strictly.
The Deputy Secretary Primary Secondary stressed that the Education Minister has publicly emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, fairness, accountability, and merit-based appointments, urging the HR Department to fill vacant posts through proper processes and to avoid internal advertisements that may limit fair competition. The Ministry of Education, under Minister Radrodro’s leadership, has acted lawfully, transparently, and in full compliance with Fiji’s legal and procedural frameworks.
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