Fiji

Name of law: Information Act, 2018, Act 9 of 2018
First adopted: 2018
Last modified: n/a
RTI Rating last updated: n/a

Introduction

Fiji’s RTI law is weak in nearly all aspects, scoring amongst the bottom quarter of all States worldwide. A number of executive bodies are excluded and the minister has the authority to exempt public authorities. The timelines for responding to requests is unduly long and fees that are set internally by each public authority and not limited to the cost of reproducing and sending information. Another weakness is the regime of exceptions which preserves other laws, contains several impermissible and/or non-harm-tested exceptions and only a very weak public interest override. There is a dedicated oversight body but it lacks the powers needed to discharge its functions properly. Additionally, the law fails to provide for sanctions for wilful obstruction of access.