House passes salary amendment in Anti Corruption Commissioner Act [1]
Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 15:08. Updated on Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 15:10.
The salary issue between that of an Anti-Corruption Commissioner and a Supreme Court judge became a hot issue during the debate in the House during its afternoon session yesterday.
The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku stressed that a Supreme Court Judge should be paid more than an Anti-Corruption Commissioner, whereas other members disagreed.
The remuneration requirement was legislated under the Anti-Corruption Commissioner Act, Chapter 2.01 2020 Revised Edition:
Remuneration:
- The Commissioner shall be paid the same remuneration and accorded such other entitlements as a judge of the Supreme Court.
- Remuneration is payable out of the public fund, which is accordingly appropriated to the necessary extent.
The amendment bill changes that salary equality.
After the Acting Chairman of the Whole House Committee called for votes, the Bill was passed with 14-4. Against were Mateni Tapueluelu, Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, Paula Piveni Piukala and Dr ‘Aisake Eke.
Third reading
Today, 2 February, the bill went on to pass its third reading.
The Anti-Corruption Commissioner Amendment Bill 2023 makes amendments to Schedule 1 of the Principal Act, which deals with the eligibility and qualifications of the Anti-Corruption Commissioner.
The Office of the Legislative Assembly reported that “the first proposed amendment removes the requirement that only a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court is eligible for the position of Anti-Corruption Commissioner.”
“The second proposed amendment, removes the requirement that an Anti-Corruption Commissioner’s remuneration and entitlement shall be similar to that of the Judge of the Supreme Court. This is to reflect the nature and complications of the work of an Anti-Corruption Commissioner is different from the Supreme Court Judge.”
They stated that the deletion of the remuneration and entitlement provision “is to make it consistent with other laws. So, the new subsection states the Commissioner shall be paid out of public money, a salary and allowance as recommended by the Remuneration Authority.”