Qoriniasi Bale facts for kids

Qoriniasi Babitu Bale (born 1941, died 21 March 2014) was an important person in Fiji. He worked as a lawyer and a politician. He served twice as Fiji's Minister for Justice and Attorney-General. His last time in these roles was from 2001 to 2006. He lost his job during a military coup on December 5, 2006. Like many important leaders in Fiji, Bale was from Levukana Village. This village is located in Vanua Balavu in the Lau Islands.

Education and Early Career

Qoriniasi Bale went to school at Queen Victoria School. He also attended Suva Boys Grammar School in Fiji. Later, he studied law in New Zealand. He went to the University of Otago and Victoria University in Wellington. He earned his law degree in 1969.

After finishing his studies, Bale returned to Fiji. He started working as a Crown Counsel in the Crown Law Office. In 1970, he became a Crown Prosecutor. This job meant he worked for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In 1975, he became the Principal Legal Officer. Then, in 1979, he was promoted to Solicitor General. He held this important position until 1984. Qoriniasi Bale was the first native Fijian to be the Solicitor General. Before him, all the Solicitor Generals were from the United Kingdom.

Political Journey

Bale first became involved in politics in 1984. The Governor General of Fiji chose him to be a member of the Senate. This happened because Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara suggested him. At that time, the Senate had 22 members. The Prime Minister chose 7 of these members.

Bale then became the Attorney General in the Cabinet. Later that same year, he also became the Minister for Justice. This was a new position. He left politics after the Alliance Party lost the general election in 1987.

Work After the Coup

After the Fiji coups of 1987, Bale started his own law practice. He worked as a barrister and a solicitor. For 18 years, he was a Legal Adviser. He advised the Great Council of Chiefs and the Fijian Affairs Board.

From 1990 to 1996, he was Chairman of the Electoral Commission. He also chaired the Constituency Boundaries Commission. These groups help manage elections and voting areas. Bale was also Chairman of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School from 1988 to 1996. He led the Council of the Fiji School of Medicine for 10 years.

Return to Government

Democracy returned to Fiji after the Fiji coup of 2000. In September 2001, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase appointed Bale to the Senate again. He was one of 9 Senators chosen by the Prime Minister. He once again became the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.

Key Policies and Ideas

Qoriniasi Bale was a member of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party (SDL). He was known for having strong Fijian nationalist views. He believed that the Constitution adopted in 1997 needed big changes. This Constitution was put aside during the 2000 coup. However, it was brought back in March 2001 after two court decisions.

In 2005, Bale supported a new law. It was called the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill. This bill wanted to create a special group. This group would have the power to help victims of the 2000 coup. It could also pardon people who committed crimes related to the coup. The President would need to approve these pardons.

In July 2006, Bale stated that the Fiji Labour Party could not call itself the opposition. He said they could not appoint shadow ministers. Bale explained that only two members of the Fiji Labour Party were officially in the opposition. The rest were government supporters.