Statutory Functions
The Higher Salaries Commission was established in 1983 by an act of Parliament
[Higher Salaries Act Cap 2A], to determine and monitor remuneration of Chief
Executive Officer and Senior Executives in government, statutory bodies, public
corporations and government commercial entities and local governments. Pursuant
to the recent Prescription of Salaries Act [No 14 of 2002], the Higher Salaries
Commission is also empowered to determine the salaries and allowances for
members of Independent State Services Commission.
The Commission is also responsible for the monitoring of remuneration for
positions under it jurisdictions, to ensure that its in line with legislation,
policy and the economic strength of the country.
The term salary includes as any benefit, facility or advantage, whether
in money or otherwise, received by any person as part of his terms and conditions
of employment.
Objectives of HSC
The main objective of the Higher Salaries Commission is to ensure that relativity
is maintained in the salaries pertaining to top executives of organizations
that come under its jurisdictions.
The authorities for determining the salaries and terms and condition of employment
have been delegated to the Higher Salaries Commission, which also allow Board
members of statutory bodies to consult and make representation to the Higher
Salaries Commission.
Membership
There are five members of the Higher Salaries Commission, stipulated under
Higher Salaries Commission Act 1983:
Mrs Teresa Apted Chairperson
Nr Thomas Raju Member
Mr Iowane Naiveli Member
Mr Tevita Banuve Member (Permanent Secretary for Finance)
HSC Organisations and Positions
Excluding government ministries and departments, there are 39 organisations
under the jurisdiction of the Higher Salaries Commission.
HSC determines remuneration packages for a total of 371 established senior
management positions across the Fiji Public Sector, 211 represent the Senior
Executive Services in ministries and departments, classified under Upper Salary
(US04 - US01), 11 Judges and Magistrates classified under JU06 - JU01 in the
public office salary structure; 70 in government statutory bodies, 50 in government
commercial entities and 20 in local governments.
The HSC Unit
The structure of the HSC Unit is such that administratively it is under the
Corporate Services Division of the PSC; but operationally it directly reports
to the Secretary for the Public Service.
The Unit is challenged by the need for a single center of expertise in remuneration
for the whole public sector including Constitutional public office holders;
judicial officers and members of Parliament.
Total remuneration is expressed as the total cost of employment; includes
base salary plus additional monetary and non-monetary fringe benefits.
Important factors impacting on the level of remuneration include:
Job size
Organisation policy
Organisation's ability to pay
Individual performance
Internal & external relativities