Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka today said he has not reviewed the specifics of FICAC Inquiry legal counsel Janet Mason’s qualifications or the implications of her disciplinary record but does not believe her ongoing disciplinary matter was significant enough to affect the credibility of the Commission.
“I have not looked at that aspect of appointment in detail, whether they qualified,” he told Mai TV. “If they’re qualified to practice in New Zealand, do they automatically qualify to work in Fiji in the capacity? There are certain appointments that are very particular about professional misconduct or professional misdemeanour. In this case, it does not apply to appointments in Fiji, participation in Fiji.”
Rabuka, however, believes that Mason’s disciplinary proceedings in New Zealand are not significant enough to affect the credibility of the FICAC Commission of Inquiry.
“I do not believe it is strong enough to undermine the credibility of the commission.”
The Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu had written to Mason last week, giving her five days to clarify why she had not disclosed her disciplinary matter when she applied for her most recent practicing certificate.
In response, Mason filed a Police complaint alleging that her application had been tampered with.
Mason, who is assisting the inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), is under scrutiny in New Zealand for failing to comply with a disciplinary order. She was found guilty of professional misconduct in 2022 for not adhering to a directive from the New Zealand Law Society to undertake training. A hearing on her penalty is scheduled for later this year.
In an earlier interview with Mai TV, Mason defended her role in the COI, calling the criticism a deliberate attempt to derail the inquiry.
“What has happened with this commission of inquiry is that there was an attempt… to have me removed from the commission. It is just one of a number of attempts.”
She also maintained that the issues raised in New Zealand, which she is appealing, do not affect her professional capacity or credibility, and that the COI will proceed without disruption.
Related Articles:
Stand-off between Chief Registrar and Janet Mason escalates with Police Complaint
Chief Registrar seeks clarification from FICAC Inquiry legal counsel Janet Mason
Senior barrister in FICAC Commission of Inquiry facing discipline penalty in NZ
