2025-2026 National Budget Debate

Peoples Alliance Party member Inosi Kuridrani has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament today.

This follows the passing of Vatimi Rayalu, which left his seat vacant.

He will deliver his maiden speech on Wednesday.

Kuridrani is a former SODELPA MP.

Land Transport Authority Board Secretary Daniel Vikash says Kuridrani tendered his resignation as Board Chair over the weekend.

When asked about reforms at LTA started under him, Kuridrani says they will continue and LTA just has to follow the strategic plan in place.

He says their budget to get drug testing equipment has been approved.

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu says the issue of drugs has now become a matter of national concern.

While opposing the 2025/2026 National Budget, Seruiratu says it is no longer a secret and the severity of the issue was recently highlighted in the media, where young boys were seen injecting themselves with what appeared to be drugs - an alarming reflection of the current situation.

He says that in certain areas of Suva, drugs are being sold openly on the roadside, with individuals becoming increasingly bold in their dealings, and the influx of hard drugs has only worsened the situation.

The Leader of the Opposition says the government’s efforts to combat drug use and trafficking in Fiji are commendable, but some areas need to be approached differently.

Seruiratu says the government should consider strengthening educational and awareness frameworks at all levels of the community to better inform citizens about the impacts of drug use.

He adds that another concern is the rise in HIV cases as a consequence of drug use, where in the first half of 2024 alone, the number of new HIV cases reported by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council was 500, already exceeding the total of 415 reported for the entire year in 2023.

Seruiratu adds this is a panic budget and therefore he does not support the budget.

He stresses that the 2025–2026 National Budget should focus on critical national issues, with poverty as the top priority.

The Opposition Leader says according to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey, 29.9 percent of Fiji’s total population live below the poverty line, and one of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations is to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.

He says the question we should now be asking ourselves, both as a government and as a nation, is, what are we doing about this.

Seruiratu says that poverty reduction requires a multifaceted approach that includes both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

He says it is important for governments to prioritise this to accelerate the reduction of high poverty levels.

He adds that while investments in education, welfare, and healthcare are good first steps, building partnerships with communities, non-government and civil society organisations, and the private sector can be highly effective in tackling poverty.

Fiji is at war against poverty.

This was a declaration made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while delivering his speech on the budget debate in Parliament today.

Rabuka says he is not merely contributing to the budget debate, but to declare war on Fiji’s number one enemy which is the persistent factors that have plagued our country for too long.

He says his contribution is presented in the form of a set of Operational Orders, an Orders Group comprising Parliament, the Permanent Secretaries, the armed forces, the public service, and the people.

Rabuka says he refers to the clutches of stagnation, poor work ethics, lethargy, underemployment, and underutilised potential.

He says the Budget address by Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, supports the 2025-2026 phase of the Coalition Government’s mission, given by the National Development Plan 2025-2029, entitled Vision 2050, and empowering the people of Fiji through unity, to reclaim our beloved Fiji.

Insert: PM Rabuka on enemy wearing uniforms 14th July 25 MR

Rabuka says the cost of poor leadership, politicised procurement, and over-centralisation of power has not only deepened inequality, but it has robbed our people of creativity and trust.

He says poverty is not abstract, but it threatens livelihood, dignity, and sovereignty.

He adds that metaphorically, it is the mission of the coalition government, led by him as the Prime Minister, to reduce poverty, lift our economic growth, inject industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation, boost workforce morale, and improve opportunities for all citizens, particularly those segments of our society deserving evidence-based development imperative interventions.

The Prime Minister says indigenous Fijians have been labelled as resource-rich, but poor, and they must refuse to accept that label.

Rabuka says the indigenous people of Fiji receive $100 million annually from the TLTB leases and royalties, $1.07 billion from remittances, which is 80 percent of the total remittances of $1.34 billion received, which is an estimated $350 million from wages and salaries.

He adds that the iTaukei per capita resources and land use income survey result given to him by TLTB on the 9th of this month puts the figure at $6,368.10, including remittances received, or $4,562.23, excluding remittances, and $4,394.79, when core income streams only are considered.

Rabuka says all across the scenario, the estimated GDP per capita of the iTaukei population exceeds the national poverty threshold of $2,190 per annum, which is approximately $6 per day.

He says $1.22 billion, or 80 percent is utilised in supermarkets, rent, utilities, and transport, $228 million, or 15 percent is used on buildings, renovations, or purchasing our own homes, and only $72 million, or 5 percent is used on savings and investments.

Rabuka says these figures and trends reflect not only the resilience of these income sources, but also the increased purchasing power of the iTaukei in Fiji's economy.

Over 40,000 people leaving our shores between 2022 and 2023 has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s workforce.

While opposing the 2025/2026 National Budget, the Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu highlighted that this figure represents a net migration of 5 percent, with many of those departing permanently being skilled professionals, particularly in the education and health sectors, creating a growing skills shortage in these critical areas.

Seruiratu says before 2018, an average of 9,000 Fijians emigrated each year in search of better opportunities overseas, whereas in 2019 alone, over 25,000 people left the country, either temporarily or permanently.

Seruiratu says the continued exodus has strained the country’s workforce, and with a shrinking working-age population, Fiji now faces serious challenges in sustaining economic growth.

He adds that the chronic labour shortage is also impacting other key sectors, including health, tourism, and the primary industries.

Seruiratu stresses that the government must be strategic in allocating resources to education, ensuring that funding is directed to areas where skills are needed most, so the gaps created by migration can be filled in a timely manner.

He also highlighted concerns about Fiji’s investment landscape, saying it could be significantly improved. Seruiratu says many investors are facing challenges due to high operating costs, leading businesses to take a cautious approach toward medium-term investments.

He adds that the government must work to create a more investor-friendly environment and streamline processes to address existing concerns.

Seruiratu emphasises that investment is crucial for developing countries, as it drives economic growth, generates employment, and improves essential infrastructure, elements vital for the people and for Fiji’s overall economic progress.

While supporting the 2025/2026 National Budget Assistant Minister for Information, Aliki Bia responded to Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu by echoing the same challenge that the former Finance Minister and former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum used to tell the former opposition members, and that is to provide an alternative budget, to really show the people of Fiji that they have better alternatives from what has been delivered in the budget.

Bia says Seruiratu stated that the budget lacks clarity but listening to Seruiratu’s response, he found that it lacks clarity as well.

He says in one of his statements, Seruiratu mentioned that government needs to reduce its size, but then later in his response, he mentioned that government needs to appoint another minister to look after state-owned enterprises only.

The Assistant Minister says to all Fijians, as a government, they do accept the fact that they cannot make everyone happy and the coalition government will not hide away from that but will confront it with all truth and honesty.

He says it is unrealistic as well to make every citizen happy.

Bia says the coalition government will ensure that it introduces policies and initiatives that promote societal well-being and collective human empowerment.

He says many Fijians took to social media to welcome the bold decision by government to decrease VAT from 15 to 12.5 percent which should start from the beginning of next month.

The Assistant Minister says many social welfare recipients also welcome the 5 percent increase in their monthly allowance as this will somehow ease their daily burdens and navigate challenges as it comes their way.

This is not a people's budget, this is a lollipop budget—a sweetener served just in time for election year.

This has been shared by Oppostion MP, Parveen Bala during the budget debate.

Bala says the budget offers no long-term solutions, no bold ideas—just small handouts packaged as progress and the public’s response is telling.

He says Fijians are no longer satisfied with lollipops but they want food on the table and they want action.

Bala emphasized the much-promised $5 lamb chops which today, they see at $23.50.

He says perhaps the Minister can offer a rebate to importers to reduce the price, if not maybe he will offer another promise in next year’s budget.

Bala says this is a budget that sprinkles relief just enough to generate headlines, but never enough to fix what's broken.

He stresses that this budget is a sugar rush reckless in its spending, shallow in its planning, and politically poisoned.

He says it dangles cash today but sacrifices stability tomorrow.

Bala says the government is selling our children’s future to buy votes today—turning the treasury into a campaign war chest.

He adds they say they are tackling the cost of living—but families still choose between food and medicine and they claim record health funding—but nurses continue to beg for basic resources.

Bala says they say they care for seniors—but pensioners are forced to sell belongings to survive and this is not governance, it is gambling with Fiji’s future and with people’s lives.

The Ministry of Agriculture is working to boost export earnings by increasing production of key commodities such as kava, turmeric, taro, ginger, cocoa and coffee, and by addressing supply chain challenges to improve market access.

This has been highlighted by Minister of Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu while speaking in support of the 2025-2026 National Budget.

She says $4.6 million has been allocated for production of these major economic commodities.

Bainivalu says in 2024, Fiji proudly exported 730 metric tonnes of kava, achieving an export value of $53 million.

The Minister says this milestone represents the highest achievement over the past 12 years between 2013 and 2024, significantly surpassing the $15 million threshold.

She says also in 2024, Fiji exported $25.2 million worth of turmeric, marking a 1.6 percent increase in the highest earnings in the last 12 years.

Fiji achieved exports of 5,548 tonnes of dalo in 2024, with an export value of $41.3 million, an increase of 3.6 percent and the highest record in the past 12 years.

She says to maintain this upward trajectory in dalo exports, they have been allocated a budget of $978,000, a 96 percent increase, to support dalo farmers under the dalo farming programme.

Bainivalu further says the current budget emphasises inclusive agricultural growth by empowering all farmers, especially smallholders, with equitable access to resources and to support and strengthen the nation's prosperity.

She says $337,000 is allocated to the Women in Agriculture Programme and $281,000 for the Youth in Agriculture Programme.

Bainivalu confirms in the 2024-2025 financial year, 597 individual women and 51 women's groups were assisted with planting materials, training, nursery materials, farming tools, agro-inputs and market linkages.

She adds $4.4 million has been allocated to upgrade training facilities and quarters at Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute and Tutu Training Centre, reinforcing efforts to equip youths with the skills necessary for a sustainable future.

Opposition MP, Sanjay Kirpal has called out the Coalition Government for spending more than $2 million of taxpayers' funds on Commission of Inquiry reports when people in charge fail to appoint the right individuals to key positions.

Kirpal highlighted this while opposing the 2025/2026 National Budget and said a large number of recently graduated doctors have not been posted yet, even though there is a shortage of doctors in Fiji.

Kirpal says the Government charters flights to Israel, which cost approximately $2.3 million, but can't fix roads, water problems, and provide better medical facilities to our people.

Kirpal further says that the government needs to replace the low-lying bridges with high-rise structures to facilitate the poor farmers and their children who struggle to come to school during rainy days. He says that during the rainy days, it causes transportation problems, which leads to a loss of revenue for farmers.

He and these are economic losses like loss of quality teaching time and safety risks.

Kirpal says this is almost a similar capital budget for FRA compared to the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

He says maintaining a similar budget for the FRA as in previous years without a real increase poses a significant risk to road safety, economic productivity, and infrastructure resilience, and this will result in serious shortfalls, funds exhausted, early backlogs growing, and urgent maintenance deferred.

Kirpal says this may be one of the reasons for poor service delivery in the infrastructure sector as we have seen poor road conditions all around the country.

Kirpal adds that the Coalition Government has been hoping for investments, but how can it be possible when they cannot facilitate the pipe, water, EFL supply and sewer system to new upcoming subdivisions in Nadawa.

He says that if Fiji needs to curb the rise of informal settlements, then subdivisions of this magnitude need to be encouraged as the infrastructure provider is the government of the day.

The Government is taking bold steps to create jobs, support small businesses, reduce poverty, make it easier for ordinary Fijians to start businesses, and make government services closer to the people.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, highlighted that over 1,000 local jobs have already been created through $26 million in new economic activity, with benefits flowing into tourism, transport, and catering sectors.

While supporting the 2025/2026 National Budget, Kamikamica says that small businesses will receive a major boost, with a record $160 million proposed in the new budget which includes the creation of the first-ever national strategy, easier access to funding, and targeted support for women, youth, and rural communities.

Kamikamica highlights that to make business easier, the government has launched a new online platform to register businesses quickly and by the end of the year, 25 digital services will be available across 16 government agencies.

The Deputy Prime Minister says that on the connectivity front, Starlink is expected to reach 124 villages by August, while 5G services are set to roll out soon.

He adds that the government is also working on a national cybersecurity strategy and a digital ID system to protect users online and simplify access to services.

Kamikamica says that with trade talks continuing with the US, the European Union, and Pacific neighbours, the government hopes to open new markets and lower trade barriers for Fijian exporters.

Illicit drug trafficking, including narcotics, methamphetamine and emerging synthetic drugs, is not just a law enforcement concern, it is a national emergency, undermining the social fabric, threatening public health and fueling transnational crime.

Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua says this problem demands a moral awakening.

He says the allocation of $1.9 million for the operational establishment of the Counter Narcotics Bureau is therefore both timely and commendable, which will enhance their campaign against drugs.

The Ministry is finalising a formal bilateral partnership with the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency.

He says increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure across 11 designated sectors pose significant risks to Fiji's national interest.

He says a major cyber incident would paralyse public services, compromise citizen data and erode trust.

Naivalurua says the allocation of $112,500 will support the implementation of a structured and sector-aligned critical infrastructure cyber security framework.

The Minister further says that the trust of people is hard-earned and easily lost and there are ongoing court cases involving some officers of the Counter Narcotics Bureau.

Naivalurua adds that these incidents, while deeply disappointing, serve as necessary lessons.

While supporting the 2025/2026 National Budget, Naivalurua says safety and security are the bedrock of national development; they underpin economic growth, sustain social progress, and ensure the well-being of every Fijian.

He stresses that this budget is committed to supporting the police and ensuring that Fiji remains safe.

Naivalurua says this budget will empower the Ministry of Policing and the Fiji Police Force to accomplish their mission because, without peace and stability, there is no sustainable development.

He says that without strong policing and effective national security institutions can’t build public confidence.

The Minister has commended the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, and his team for delivering a comprehensive and strategic budget that responds to the realities of our time today.

He says earlier this year, the Prime Minister took a bold and visionary step to establish the Ministry of Policing, a dedicated institution through clear policy direction, coordination and good governance.

He says this move signals a new era in law enforcement, a transformation that aligns with the national aspirations for safety, trust and justice.

Naivalurua says to fulfill core functions, the Government has allocated $3.8 million for the establishment of the Ministry's administrative and policy cadre, comprising 25 new positions.

He says this investment is not merely impersonal, it is a commitment to institutional resilience that will enable them to strengthen internal capacity, improve policy relations and delivery and enhance coordination with the Police Force at both strategic and operational levels.

The 2025/2026 National Budget is not just a disappointment, it is not even a missed opportunity, but it is a lazy budget from a lazy government.

This was highlighted by Opposition MP, Ketan Lal while opposing the 2025/2026 National Budget in Parliament.

Lal says this budget does not just lack vision, but it also lacks basic effort.

He went on to ask where are the bold reforms, the leadership, and the urgency that the people were promised?

Lal further says that while this government is busy painting a glossy picture of progress, the reality outside the parliament walls is dark, painful, and growing harder to ignore.

He says families are feeling the pinch of the cost of living.

He adds that workers are overburdened, meth is destroying our communities, HIV cases have tripled in less than a year, and the Online Safety Commission is overwhelmed with reports of abuse, yet the digital space remains largely ungoverned.

Lal says a pound of butter now costs $15.93, and at this point, it practically becomes a luxury item.

Lal says Fijians are still waiting for the good change that was promised during the 2022 general elections by the coalition government, but all they have received are good speeches and not good outcomes.

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the 2025/2026 National Budget provides a clear pathway and direction on the Government's intent for improving health services and tackling the health challenges of our time.

While speaking in support of the budget, Dr Lalabalavu says every dollar allocated to the Ministry must translate into cleaner clinics, better medicines, empowered health workers, and healthier communities.

He says the Ministry is ready to move ahead, guided by values of service, equity, accountability, and care.

The Minister highlighted that it is estimated that 7,000 Fijians are now living with HIV, and the ongoing upward trend is deeply concerning.

He acknowledges that $10 million has been allocated in this budget specifically to contain the spread of HIV, and also the support from our partners.

He says we must break the stigma and empower communities with accurate information and stop discrimination to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to prevention, care and treatment.

He calls on everyone not to discriminate against those with HIV infection, but to help them and support them to get the care that they need so that they can continue to be productive members of our community.

The Minister also stressed that a key part of their reform agenda is modernising Fiji's health laws, and this financial year, they are pushing ahead with a review of critical health regulations, with several anticipated to be submitted to Cabinet by the end of this calendar year.

The Minister says renovation work of Vunisea Hospital in Kadavu has commenced, and the renovations of Taveuni Hospital will follow soon.

He says that the Duavata Partnership with the New Zealand Government resulted in sponsored renovations of primary health care facilities, a newly built Nadogo Health Centre, and the nurse quarters at Maumi Nursing Station.

Dr Lalabalavu says the Ministry also supports the critical reform of the removal of R, or requisition to incur expenditure, under the direct control of the Permanent Secretary.

He says this shift strengthens oversight, transparency and responsiveness.

He adds that this should further improve the implementation of projects by allocating funds in a timely manner.

In just two years, this government borrowed almost $2.6 billion, almost as much as what the Banimarama government borrowed over 12 years, and this is their record.

This was shared by Opposition MP, Premila Kumar during the National Budget Debate this morning via Zoom.

She says by the end of their term, this government will have irresponsibly added $3.3 billion onto our national debt without any national crisis to warrant such borrowing.

Kumar says the coalition government lied to voters, promising fiscal responsibility and sound economic management, only to plunge the nation into deeper debt, and to put this into perspective, the previous government borrowed $6.4 billion over 16 years, managing more than 14 cyclones and a once-in-a-century pandemic.

She says a 2.5% debt reduction, a 3% civil service pay rise, and a 5% increase in social pensions, all dressed up to win headlines and applause but beyond the dazzles lies a plan built on panic and not on vision, and hope not for tomorrow's Fiji, but for today's political survival.

She stresses that this budget tries to distract the public from the deeper failures, which include stalled growth, unsustainable borrowing, ballooning deficits, and the absence of real reform.

Kumar adds that this government is not borrowing to build the nation but to pay the bills and says, despite the government's narrative on economic growth, 81% of the budget is consumed by operational expenses, leaving a mere 19% for capital investment.

She says we have a bloated civil service with a salary bill rising from $963.9 million in the 2022-2023 budget to $1.3 billion and they have also seen a rise in vehicle leasing costs from $20 million in the 2019-2020 budget to $52 million today, which is the opposite of exactly what NFP's election promise was, and that was to engage in ministerial carpooling and to cut the wastage by 50%.

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has shown his full support to the 2025/2026 National Budget and says that this budget is for security, stability and the next generation.

While speaking in response to the National Budget, Tikoduadua says the budget is a reaffirmation of their promise to lead with courage, clarity and continuity.

He says our destiny is to secure peace at home, stand firm in the region, and rise together as one nation committed to dignity and justice for all.

The Minister adds that we are emerging from a difficult chapter in our democratic story.

Tikoduadua says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, under this government, continues to uphold that principle with discipline and honour.

He says civilian authority governs this nation, and the men and women of our military have accepted this with pride.

The Minister says they respect our constitution and defend our democracy, and the RFMF will continue to have a vital and relevant role in Fiji's future.

He adds this includes not just military readiness, but also national resilience, which is why they are moving ahead with the Duavata leadership framework, allowing the RFMF to help train our traditional leaders and young people to lead with integrity, discipline and patriotism.

The Minister says the development of the National Security Strategy and the National Security and Defence Review is a turning point in our national story as these are not just technical documents.

More than 107,000 people are set to benefit from this National Budget through key social welfare programs like the Family Assistance Scheme, Social Pension, Disability Allowance, and Transport Assistance with a 10% bus fare subsidy that will also help beneficiaries travel further at no extra cost.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran while supporting the 2025-2026 National Budget.

Kiran says the government has unveiled a people-focused 2025–2026 National Budget, with over $207 million allocated to the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, an increase of $8.4 million from last year.

Kiran adds there is a 20% increase in social protection allowances in the past two years, a 25% rise for pensions for the elderly aged 70, with VAT now reduced to 12.5% and 25 essential items VAT-free, recipients will get more value from their assistance.

She says in a landmark move, the government has set up the Department of Children, and introduced two major laws to better protect children — the Child Care and Protection Act and the Child Justice Act.

The Minister for Women and Child highlights that the funding includes $3.9 million for child protection, and $480,000 to build a new Child Well-being Centre for street children, alongside rehabilitation support to tackle rising drug use and exploitation.

She says to support elderly citizens, the government will renovate and expand aged care homes in Lautoka while Suva has already been upgraded to house 31 elderly residents from the termite-damaged Golden Age Home.

Kiran adds people with disabilities will benefit from a new community-based disability policy, backed by $1.6 million in funding, while a major review of the National Aging Policy and support systems for the elderly is also underway.

She says the government is also putting a spotlight on gender equality with funding for women’s shelters, safe houses, and the launch of a Women’s Emporium in Suva to promote local artisan products.

She adds that the Women’s Economic Empowerment Plan will help women access jobs, start businesses, and gain skills.

The Minister says a review of the outdated 1999 Poverty Strategy will guide a new national plan to tackle poverty, with better data and targeted support to reach those most in need.

Kiran highlights this budget shows a strong commitment to protecting the vulnerable, supporting families, and ensuring no Fijian is left behind.

This is not a developed budget it is a destructive one that is built not to improve everyday life, but to give with one hand and take back with the other

This is raised by Opposition MP, Viam Pillay while opposing the 2025-2026 National Budget.

Pillay strongly criticised the VAT increase from 9% to 15% previously, which is now reduced to 12.5%, and called the reduction a backpedal not real tax reform.

He says consumers are still paying high prices while businesses benefit, and described the government’s approach as forced trickle-down economics.

Pillay adds the sugar industry crisis in Fiji is a concern for cane farmers, in areas like Seaqaqa, Labasa, and the west with land lease insecurity.

He says the current lease premium assistance is $978,200, which is insufficient and not guaranteed beyond this year.

Pillay highlights that more than $85 per tonne cane price is not legislated and what farmers want is certainty, not political promises.

Pillay says the Ministry of Multi Ethnic Affairs is not provided with sufficient funding whereas the budget allocation of $6.9 million is too small to meaningfully support multi-ethnic communities and lack of dedicated funding for religious site protection, trauma recovery, or interfaith dialogue in reference to the Samabula Shiv Mandir incident.

He raises concerns about the cost of living and infrastructure failures in blaming the government for offering cosmetic fixes instead of real services in high food prices, under-stocked clinics, water shortages, and crumbling roads that remain unaddressed.

Pillay calls for discipline, direction, and delivery in spending and he accuses the government of reckless borrowing without results, especially with the $886 million projected deficit - the largest shortfall in Fiji’s history.

Pillay also says many senior citizens are quietly pushed out of benefit programs due to losing support and tighter eligibility rules.

$1.9 million has been allocated in the 2025/2026 National Budget for the completion of the long-awaited Lautoka Swimming Pool.

The project was initially approved in 2017, with construction starting in 2018.

However, delays and issues with contractors led to the termination of the initial contract in 2020.

While speaking in response to the budget in Parliament, Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says that under the previous government, poor oversight delayed these much-needed facilities which disappointed the people of Lautoka.

He says they are completing the projects, restoring public trust, and creating vibrant community spaces for health, recreation, and youth engagement.

The Minister also highlighted that the Ba Stadium or Govind Park is nearing completion of phase two, and is expected to open before the beginning of the new financial year.

He adds that Ba will be able to host day matches, and there are already talks to host the IDC Soccer tournament this year as well as talks with the Drua CEO for trial games to happen at the Govind Park in Ba.

Nalumisa says this budget is a people’s budget of purpose, of planning, and of principled investment.

He says it is about safeguarding our nation today while building the foundations of a stronger Fiji tomorrow.

The Minister says in the current financial year, the Ministry proudly delivered three new municipal markets—in Nakasi, Levuka, and Savusavu.

He says these markets support women, persons with disabilities, farmers, and small business owners who are the everyday heroes of our informal economy.

Nalumisa says they welcome the $335,500 allocated for upgrades to Rakiraki Market, including a new MSME floor to boost economic participation and innovation at the local level.

He adds that $4.8 million has been allocated for the development of new towns in Nabouwalu, Keiyasi, and Seaqaqa, with civil works already underway and further planning support set to expand into other rural growth centres.

The Minister says the Nabouwalu Passenger Terminal Services Building is nearing completion and is scheduled for commissioning in the coming weeks.

As the Fiji Police Force has been given increased funding in the 2025-2026 National Budget, Opposition MP Vijay Nath asks whether we need more uniforms, or if we need to properly support the ones wearing them.

While speaking during the budget debate in Parliament, Nath said the Fiji Police Force will recruit 1,000 new officers, bringing the total force to 6,550.

He says this is 730 officers for 100,000 people - more than double the global average 300 and it sounds impressive but asks if we already have double the global average, why is crime still rising.

Nath says in January and February 2025, criminal cases jumped by 20 percent.

The MP has also questioned the government on the lack of a permanent police post and adequate resourcing in Koronivia, highlighting gaps in visibility and mobility.

He asks where will the newly recruited officers go, what tools will they get and what training will they receive.

Nath says money allocated for salary progression is welcomed as officers deserve fair pay but he says money alone does not fix the broken system.

He says you cannot build a relationship with communities if your officers are stretched thin, underpaid and unsupported.

Nath says we need to invest in building integrity and leadership, not just rank and resources for community patrols, not just central command; technology and data systems that help officers respond faster and smarter, mental health support, because officers face trauma too.

He adds before we double the size of the force, we should double the support of the officers we already have and build a culture of principles, accountability and respect.

While giving his response to the budget, Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalarua also responded to Nath where he has noted the comments that he has raised regarding the policing, but says his simple question to Nath is where was he and what did they do when they were in a position to change some of the things that he has raised.

He says maybe he should direct his question to the Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu, when he was the Minister responsible for Policing.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru has called for investments to build a new stadium in the Western division.

Saukuru was responding to the media when asked about the deplorable condition of the HFC Bank Stadium, where the Fiji Water Flying Fijians played Scotland last Saturday.

The Minister says he is waiting for the response from the Fiji Sports Council on how the ground reached such a state.

Saukuru is also pushing for long-term infrastructure solutions to prevent similar issues in future events.

He adds that there is a lot of public criticism of the poor condition of the HFC Bank Stadium and the state of the ground during the recent international match.

The Minister says it is now under review.

He says the national stadium is currently the only venue approved by World Rugby and FIFA for international matches in Fiji, and as such, it hosts all major events, including matches and training sessions, leading to excessive wear.

Saukuru adds that visiting teams, including Scotland, have been forced to train at the stadium due to issues at alternative venues, like Albert Park, further straining the ground.

He emphasises that while overuse is a reality, it does not excuse poor maintenance, and the Fiji Sports Council is expected to uphold standards regardless of the schedule and the need for new facilities.

Saukuru calls for investment in a new national-standard stadium, particularly in the Western Division, to ease the load on Suva’s National Stadium and support the growing demand for international events.

Saukuru says he has also requested a detailed update from the Fiji Sports Council on why women’s staff were cleaning the stadium overnight.

We can all agree that no budget is perfect — just as nothing in life or this world truly is.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo highlighted this while supporting the 2025/2026 National Budget and stressed that tailoring the financial year of a nation is not an easy task.

Vosarogo says it is daunting in the sense that while the Opposition is only forecasting for the next 12 months, they must also do so with a projection of what that next 12 months would mean in the next 10 years or so.

He says the former FijiFirst Government doesn’t know this because they have done badly in their previous budgets and in the last 16 years it gave the people an almost disastrous starting point.

The Minister says they are not sure how many members are indeed in the opposition and how many are just warming seats, secretly gathering signatures for their parties, or maybe going on to join another.

He says the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu should do a loyalty check on those to his left and those behind him.

The Minister says the other side has been talking about the budget not being good enough and has used phrases like lazy budget, lollipop budget, and candy budget.

He jokingly mentioned the lollipop and candy are not good for Parveen Bala and Viam Pillay.

Vosarogo says Opposition MP, Premila Kumar says it's a risky budget based on borrowings while the Leader of Opposition says it's an unsustainable budget and lacks long-term vision.

However, he says they have made no attempts to provide an alternative budget that the Assistant Minister for Information, Aliki Bia has challenged them on.

He says Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran reminded him that the previous government did nothing about the termites, now, it will cost them millions of dollars to replace government buildings, houses, homes in the West and North.

He says they should go back and look at their budget books from their days in power and the agriculture allocation that the coalition government has made in the last three budgets.

Vosarogo says they are delivering things in two and a half years what the Opposition promised in 16 years.

The Minister says the budget is people-centric, one that balances fiscal responsibility with practical investments aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving essential services.

He says it lays the foundation for a more secure, stable and prosperous Fiji for all.

Vosarogo says the reduction of VAT from 15 to 12.5 percent puts $250 million into the pockets of all Fijians and gives them extra buying power, with an increase of 5 percent in social protection and 10 percent of bus fare assistance, an increase in civil service pay, giving them additional spending power.

The Minister says this government means what it says, and is seizing this opportunity and this moment to take Fiji forward.

Vosarogo says the Ministry for Lands and Mineral Resources has been allocated $40.6 million which is an increase of $4.1 million from the last financial year.

He says this is a timely and strategic investment that enables the Ministry to continue fulfilling its core responsibilities to administer, manage and regulate Fiji's land, state lands and mineral resources sector effectively and efficiently.

He says with this they aim to secure land accessibility for all Fijians, improve access to clean and safe drinking water and foster a conducive regulatory environment that supports business growth, development and sustainable resource use.

He says the Freehold Budget Scheme has been reintroduced and it was never designed to take land by force, out of the 24 parcels of land that were the subject of buyback in both the 1989 and 1993 schemes, all have been mutually negotiated between willing buyers and willing sellers of the freehold to the native-owned landowning unit who once had freehold land titles to them.

Speaking on the sacrilege at the Sanatan Shiv Temple in Samabula, Vosarogo says to all Fijians that it is not right to enter any place of worship and cause destruction, it’s wrong and has no place in our multiracial Fiji.

Vosarogo adds that parents, community leaders, youth leaders, women leaders and national leaders like them must all do their part in speaking out against acts of violence, against religious freedoms.

He also congratulated Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba on his recent installation.

Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya says the VAT cut is not a cure but it is a band-aid solution to the cost of living problem.

While opposing the 2025-2026 National Budget in Parliament, Koya says the real cure is to grow more food at home, make farmers stronger, to fix the supply chain bottlenecks, and give every farmer fair prices and every fisherman a fair market.

Koya has questioned the lack of a bold productivity plan to modernise agriculture, improve rural roads, and expand export markets for cane, ginger and seafood.

He says the Coalition Government created this cost of living crisis and over $800 million in cost of living measures, a VAT cut from 15 percent to 12.5 percent, continued zero rating for 22 essentials, bus fare subsidies, back to school grants, pay bumps for civil servants are not new, but good measures that only sound fantastic and generous on paper.

Koya asks whose pockets will carry the burden when the ink on this budget dries.

The Opposition MP says we will borrow to pay for the salaries and we will pay over half a billion dollars in interest alone before we touch a single pothole or lay a single metre of new water pipe as the operating expenditure is estimated at 81 percent of the budget.

He further says the so-called relief, is only relief, if the savings reach the people's hands.

Koya asks what has been given to the FCCC to see whether the reductions are passed down to the people.

He says the government's plan is to hope that supermarkets do the right thing and asks how do we expect every small shop in every settlement to comply when we do not have enough to actually police.

Koya has also questioned the $10 million grant to Yasawa Tourism Cooperative Limited under the Department of Cooperative Business.

While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says that is a grant for helping cooperatives in the Yasawas.

He says the allocation does not mean that there will be no proper projects and procedures.

Professor Prasad says these cooperatives were destroyed during COVID so they needed additional support

Opposition MP, Ketan Lal says he could not hold back his tears when he visited former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at Lautoka Aspen Hospital today.

Lal says he made a quiet stop in Lautoka on his way back to Suva to visit Sayed-Khaiyum.

The Opposition MP says Sayed-Khaiyum has suffered a stroke and his life-saving treatment overseas was denied 3 times.

Lal says what he saw today will stay with him forever.

He says Sayed-Khaiyum has suffered a stroke, his body is fragile, his voice has grown faint, and he can no longer sit upright for long.

Lal says he has never seen him like this before.

He says this is a man who gave years of his life to public service, and for 8 plus years, he stood firm in Parliament and in communities defending the law and what he believed was right for our country.

Lal says Sayed-Khaiyum was no perfect man like all of us before God, but he was a fighter and a true leader, and today he lies there, still and weak, barely holding on.

He says the former Attorney General is a father to three children, a loving husband, a son and a mentor to many people.

Lal says Sayed-Khaiyum needs to be taken overseas and needs immediate specialist treatment.

He says tonight, he is not thinking as a politician, he is thinking as a human being and a fellow Fijian.

Meanwhile Sayed-Khaiyum's bail variation hearing and the substantive case is adjourned to the 1st of August.

Chief Justice Salesi Temo says that Sayed-Khaiyum should go to Heart International, however, the defence counsel replied by saying that they had referred him to Lautoka Aspen Hospital as they don't do admissions.

Chief Justice Temo says if Sayed-Khaiyum has serious heart problems then he should go to Pacific Specialist Hospital as they have some success stories.

He has wished Sayed-Khaiyum a speedy recovery.

His trial date is set for 15th September to 3rd October.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office while former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit.

It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum between June 30th and July 12th in 2022, whilst being the Acting Prime Minister, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and the then Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem and that the approval for the government to pay the taxes of Mohammed Saneem was done without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President of Fiji.

It is alleged that between the 1st of June 2022 and the 31st of July 2022, while being employed as the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem without lawful authority and reasonable excuse, asked for and obtained a benefit for himself, that is the approval and payment/waiver of tax of more than $55,000 that was charged on his back pay as a Supervisor of Elections.

The 2025/2026 National Budget is a budget that pays attention to details, taking simple yet meaningful changes, and hears the war cry of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the war against poverty.

This was highlighted by Government backbencher, Lynda Tabuya during her speech in Parliament while supporting the budget.

Tabuya says the meaningful changes by this budget are baby steps, improving the well-being of our people and moving us in the right direction, out of poverty into productivity, out of welfare into well-being.

She says the majority of our people who take buses daily will appreciate the 10 percent decrease in bus fares, and our most vulnerable living on social welfare will appreciate the increase in their welfare allowances, which the government has been progressively doing since coming into office.

She adds that the reduction in VAT to 12.5 percent will be appreciated immensely by the people, while the government works with the FCCC to manage the prices of goods.

Tabuya says the handover of titles to people living in informal settlements and in public housing will improve their security of tenure and they will be able to borrow with their real property.

Tabuya says the $10 million allocated to deal with the HIV crisis showcases real commitment to addressing this pandemic, and the allocation for a Drug Rehabilitation Centre under the Social Welfare Department shows real commitment to dealing with harm reduction and prioritising the physical and mental well-being of our people at risk, especially the children who currently have nowhere to go.

She further says the people will appreciate the increase in police presence, with 1,000 more police officers to find the drug dealers, secure our streets and communities, especially at night, and instill confidence in our tourists to enjoy the nightlife in Fiji.

Tabuya says parents and guardians will appreciate the continued $200 back-to-school assistance for over 200,000 children.

She says the continuation in allocation of various line ministries to the National Action Plan to Prevent Gender-Based Violence shows the Government’s real commitment to making our women safer in our homes.

Tabuya further says she is most encouraged by the commitment of the government to the children of this country as there are budget allocations under line ministries to operationalise the historic Child Care and Protection Act and the Child Justice Act.

Tabuya thanked the Minister for Children, Sashi Kiran, for her continued commitment to our children.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says this is not a ‘panic budget’, as described by the Leader of the Opposition, but the panic is from the Opposition.

While giving his Right of Reply during the 2025-2026 National Budget debate, Professor Prasad says it is not a ‘panic budget’ for the people, economists, banks, investors, people in the islands, those receiving social welfare, workers, unions, teachers, or civil servants.

He says every corner and every sector of our country has said that this is a very good budget and that is the reason—the panic is not from us or from the people, the panic is from the Opposition.

Professor Prasad says they are worried about the government’s successes over the last two and a half years and about the appreciation that people are showing.

He says there is also a leadership crisis in the Opposition.

He says remnants of the failed FijiFirst Party are panicking and fighting amongst themselves because this budget lays down the foundation for a free, stable, and prosperous Fiji.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also told Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj not to lie about butter prices where he said the price of Rewa Butter went up because the government did something.

Professor Prasad says Fiji Dairy Limited is a small scale processor that imports almost all its raw materials in the form of semi finished butter and Rewa Dairy simply add salt.

He says if the price of butter goes up in New Zealand, even if there is zero VAT or duty, the price goes up.

The Deputy Prime Minister also confirms that the price of 500 grams of butter will come down from $15.93 to $15.58 on the 1st of August because the VAT is going down.

While responding to Opposition MP Parveen Bala's statement, calling it a ‘lollipop’, Professor Prasad says Bala had two weeks to go through the budget and all he could come up with was a ‘lollipop’ to speak against the budget.

He asks is that reflective of an honourable Member of Parliament who has the interest of the people.

Professor Prasad says Bala also talked about guaranteeing sugar price.

He says the previous government only paid a guaranteed cane price of $85 once in 2018 for the 2017 season to win votes, and then shortchanged farmers by around $14 million.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the Coalition Government has since paid $91 and $105 per tonne.

He also called out Opposition MPs for misleading farmers by claiming there will be no guaranteed price.

Professor Prasad adds that it is the duty of Members of Parliament to be truthful and help clarify issues raised by the public.

Termite infestation in the Western Division continues to be a worry for the Ministry of Education, with 44 schools affected and 11 schools severely affected.

This was highlighted by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro in his response to the 2025/2026 National Budget, saying they are currently being confronted with termite infestation in the Western schools, and are thankful for UNICEF for providing temporary tents for classroom use.

He says currently, two schools are learning under tents, which are St Thomas Primary and Lovu Sangam Primary.

Radrodro says many of our school buildings are ageing, with the wear and tear impacting the safety and quality of the learning environment.

He says they have withstood challenging weather in the past, and this year's allocation of $8.7 million will greatly address repairs and maintenance, rebuilding of teachers' quarters and infrastructure around Fiji.

The Minister adds they also acknowledge the report by DFAT on the audit taken in the Suva Nausori corridors, which highlights classroom overcrowding and the need for more appropriate WASH facilities to be constructed around 45 schools in the Suva Nausori corridor.

Radrodro says preliminary work is already underway for the construction of three new schools, Vatuwaqa Primary School, Suva Primary School, and the new Davuilevu Secondary School, with funding from DFAT. He acknowledges their strong partnership with the UAE Red Crescent Authority, who continue to assist them with the construction of two duplex teachers' quarters at Ratu Simione Matanitobua College, Lautoka Methodist College, and Sigatoka Methodist College.

Radrodro says they are re-scoping and re-tendering the Kadavu Provincial School project, which has been left incomplete since 2022 due to contractual and monitoring issues.

He adds the Ministry of Education is also looking to respond to the expression of interest from the Vanuas for the establishment of new secondary schools, subject to current Ministry of Education procedures.

The Minister says they anticipate establishing new secondary schools in the West, including Namara, Yasawa, Vuniasi, and Nawaka in Nadi, Namuka in Kalokolevu, Naqali, Tacirua, and Nakorosule in Naitasiri.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says there is currently no vehicle management system in place for the whole of government given that the existing vehicles management system by ITC has not been used since 2018 while Opposition MP Vijay Nath says entities like WAF and EFL already have this in place.

Professor Prasad says currently there is no online database and no vehicle software to manage both leased and state-owned vehicles.

He stated this during the Committee of Supply session in parliament for the 2025/2026 National Budget while replying to Opposition MP, Jone Usamate who asked why the funds for the vehicle management system had been reduced to $33,750 this year as it was around $50,000 last year querying if there are less vehicles to maintain or if this is for a software.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the reduction in the funds is aligned to the anticipated cost of software upgrade, and the anticipated cost is lower than what was budgeted last year.

He says this will allow the government fleet management team to manage all whole of government vehicles from entering vehicle information to run reports such as quarterly reports which are currently managed manually.

Nath objected saying state entities like Water Authority of Fiji and Energy Fiji Limited already had vehicle monitoring systems, but what Usamate was referring to is that there was already money set aside in last year’s budget as well.

This budget is not visionary – it is short-term survival funded by debt, and ordinary Fijians are the ones paying the price.

Opposition MP Virendra Lal made this statement while opposing the 2025–2026 National Budget.

He is calling for urgent action on national unity, economic accountability, and public service delivery.

Lal is urging the government to introduce tougher laws to criminalise acts of sacrilege and provide better protection for places of worship.

The Opposition MP accused the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, of hypocrisy — saying that while in opposition, Prasad warned against high debt, but has now increased government borrowing to $11.7 billion — nearly 80 percent of GDP.

He says reducing VAT by 2.5 percent is an insult to ordinary Fijians who seek relief from the rising cost of living.

He adds that the hardships and suffering of ordinary Fijians will continue unabated, especially those who do not have a regular income, because on a basket of goods costing $100, they are being given relief of only $2.50.

He says if we use the 2022 VAT rate, where VAT was 9 percent, the same basket of goods would cost ordinary Fijians at least $6 less.

Lal says this year’s budget deficit stands at $886 million — the highest in recent years.

He raised concerns that despite this spending, there is still no clear plan to repay the mounting debt.

The MP also criticised the structure of the budget, saying over 80 percent is going to operating expenses like salaries and subsidies — and just 19 percent to capital projects.

He says this means that over 80 cents of every dollar is being spent on consumption, not investment — which is not sustainable.

He warns that without stronger investment in infrastructure, Fiji risks long-term economic stagnation and increasing pressure on future taxpayers.

Lal also criticised the healthcare system, pointing out big problems at the Valelevu Health Centre in Nasinu, like broken equipment, medicine shortages, and poor management.

He is calling on the Ministry of Health to quickly improve services, make sure medical standards are met, and give better benefits to keep doctors and nurses from leaving the country.

Lal is urging the government to set aside politics, focus on cost-of-living relief, and restore dignity to Fijian families.

The Ministry of Education is preparing to submit to Cabinet a paper on the No-Repeat Policy for Automatic Progression for consideration.

This was highlighted by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro in his response to the 2025/2026 National Budget in Parliament, saying that they have reviewed the examination results over the past years, and they see the necessity to review the current practice of automatic progression for students.

Radrodro acknowledged the Budget allocation given to the School Management Association of $500,000, the Principal and Heads of Teachers Association $300,000 each.

He says the Ministry will ensure that proper checks and balances are in place to address accountability and transparency in the way the funds are used.

The Minister says the heartbeat of the education system is the curriculum, and the Ministry, with a team of experts, will initiate a review of the National Curriculum Framework, with a budget of $33,000.

He says this will be done in consultation with the education commissioners and education stakeholders to address the raised concerns on the relevance of the current curriculum.

He adds that the current framework was last reviewed in 2013, and it is now proper that it undergoes another review after a lapse of more than a decade.

If the goal is to keep essential items affordable while boosting local industry, then we need to think outside the box, not defend the status quo.

This was highlighted by Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj while responding to the remarks made by Members of Parliament, Sachida Nand and Alitia Bainivalu, regarding his earlier statements on the increased price of Rewa butter, which he says affects every Fijian household.

Nand had earlier called out his former FijiFirst colleague, Maharaj, to speak with facts in Parliament before urging Maharaj to take time to understand the subject properly and conduct thorough research before making such comments in the house.

Maharaj says Nand accused him of speaking without facts, but he says he assures the people of Fiji that he is not only speaking with facts but also offering solutions.

Maharaj adds that this is not just about butter, but it is about affordability, accountability, and innovation.

He says Nand has stated that Rewa Butter is imported from New Zealand and simply repacked here.

Maharaj says this is exactly the problem, as we are still dependent on imported butter when we have a local dairy industry crying out for support.

He says if the cost of importing raw materials has increased, then why is the government not supporting Fiji Dairy Limited to use locally produced milk for butter production?

He adds that this is the question that Nand conveniently avoided.

Maharaj says it is either we believe in supporting local industries or we continue to hide behind import bills and excuses.

Maharaj further says that with the Price Subsidy Mechanism, the government can implement a targeted subsidy for essential dairy products like butter, just as it has done with fuel or electricity, and this can shield consumers from global shocks without distorting the local market.

He says in terms of Tax Incentives for Consumer Benefit, the government can provide temporary corporate tax breaks to companies like Fiji Dairy Limited on the condition that they pass on the savings to consumers in the form of lower retail prices, which he says is not new economics, but smart economics.

Maharaj says currently, importation is limited due to Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) restrictions on dairy product sources, and asks if prices in New Zealand are too high, why aren't we reviewing BAF regulations to allow importation from other safe and certified countries.

He says our trade policy must evolve with global realities.

He says Fiji has regional trading partners like Uruguay, India, or parts of Europe, where butter can be imported at more competitive prices.

Maharaj says if we are going to talk economics, we have to talk about liberalising markets to benefit consumers.

The Opposition MP says if Nand is so confident in economic principles, then he should support a policy framework that incentivises local butter production using raw milk from our own farmers, creates value chains that retain profits in Fiji, and reduces our import dependency and builds food security, a matter this government often claims to prioritise.

Maharaj says facts must never be used to justify inaction, as the issue here is not whether Rewa butter is imported, it’s whether this government has the will to change that.

He says Fiji deserves a proactive government that supports local production, shields its people from inflation, and adapts its laws and trade policies to modern challenges.

Maharaj says rather than dismissing valid concerns with lectures, he invites Nand and the Government to join them in crafting solutions that empower our farmers, protect our consumers, and ensure that butter and dignity remain affordable in Fiji.

MSMEs in the Northern Division are expected to get a boost as the Na Vualiku Pilot MSME program will be launched this calendar year, offering cost-shared business development services, small grants to community-based tourism groups, and targeted support for women, cultural enterprises, and operators to enhance market readiness and resilience.

This has been confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka while supporting the 2025-2026 National Budget.

He says they are unlocking the Northern Division’s tourism potential—and ensuring that its people participate meaningfully in the industry’s growth.

Gavoka says $30 million has been allocated to the Na Vualiku Program, funded in partnership with the World Bank.

The Deputy Prime Minister further says in the first five months of this year alone, Fiji received 350,000 visitors, and we remain on track despite global challenges.

He says the most visited regions in Fiji are Denarau with 22 percent of visitor numbers, followed by the Coral Coast at 21 percent, Nadi at 17 percent, Suva/Tailevu at 13 percent, the Mamanuca Islands at 10 percent, and the Yasawas at 4 percent.

Gavoka further says in line with their commitment to expanding air connectivity to underserved locations within Fiji, the Coalition Government will undertake a feasibility study for the proposed development of a new airport in the Yasawas.

He says they are anticipating its potential to boost tourism, improve access for local communities, and contribute to national development.

He also confirmed that they are developing Fiji’s first-ever Civil Aviation Master Plan and they have begun a comprehensive review of the Civil Aviation Act 1976 which will be completed in the new financial year.

Opposition MP Jone Usamate has called the reduction in VAT a little bit of sweet candy and says it does not compensate for all the hurt that the Coalition Government has brought and they should not expect to be applauded for trying to dampen a fire that they lit in the first place.

While opposing the 2025-2025 National Budget, Usamate says it was this same government that exacerbated the cost of living and then challenged us by its decision to raise VAT to 15 percent over the last years.

He says the focus on short-term candy for self-gratification by this government is not new and started from the time they started in government where every single one of them became a Minister or Assistant Minister.

Usamate says they enticed the Group of 11 across, made another three ministerial and four assistant ministerial positions - all candy lollipops for everybody.

He says since the Coalition Government took over, debt has increased from $9.131 billion to $11.7 billion by 2026.

Usamate also says MSMEs are getting some assistance in this budget, however, there is a challenge with the VAT Monitoring System.

He says he knows there is a need to collect the revenue, but the impact it can have on MSMEs can be devastating for them.

Usamate says there are some incentives, such as for tour providers but to get that break, you need to invest around $100,000.

He says the small tour providers in Vanua Levu do not have $100,000 laying around, so that money will only go to the big providers and is not catering to the small ones.

Usamate further says the civil service bill has risen from $939 million in 2022 to $1.3 billion as the Government is employing more people and getting bigger.

He is calling on the Government to abolish 10 ministerial and some of the assistant ministerial positions, including that of Information and Justice and create a ministerial position for the Minister for Public Enterprises who focuses on making these State owned enterprises more effective.

Usamate says the cost for vehicle leasing is rising from $20 million in 2019-2020 to $40 million today and there have also been exorbitant overseas trips.

Usamate has also questioned why the government is using taxpayer funds to cover expenses and it should not be funding FNPF pension top-ups for a select few, trade unions and school management committees.

He says this money could instead be used to build roads, fix crossings, buy medicines, or increase social welfare. Usamate also criticised the new permanent allowance for Justices of Peace, saying it is a recurring cost that could be better spent on frontline health services. Usamate says it is senseless that the government doing this when they are borrowing to finance operational expenses. He adds the government collects $4 billion revenue, spends $5 billion, has a shortfall of $1 billion, which is equal to 25 percent of your revenue and 20 percent of your spending.

Usamate adds this will not provide future security, stability or transparency because they cannot deliver the growth to fund all that.

Following the incident where a man was injured at Lautoka Mill while clearing bagasse from a conveyor belt, and operations were halted, the Ministry of Sugar Industry says crushing operations are expected to resume by tomorrow.

The Ministry says as a precautionary measure, crushing operations have been temporarily halted to allow for necessary repairs and ensure worker safety remains paramount. The Ministry says Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh has directed the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, to visit the Lautoka Mill incident yesterday.

They say Dr. Kumar visited the site today and commended the swift response by mill employees, which ensured that the injured worker was rescued promptly and transported to Lautoka Hospital for immediate medical care.

They say the employee is reported to be recovering well, and the Minister has extended his heartfelt wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Dr. Kumar also acknowledged and praised the Fiji Sugar Corporation team for its proactive steps in safely transporting over 100 lorry drivers, some from as far as Sigatoka, back to their respective areas during the unplanned halt in operations.

The Ministry reiterates its commitment to ensuring workplace safety and continues to work closely with FSC to support all workers and farmers within the sugar industry.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Prasad has confirmed that the government will not make any more backdated payments to the University of the South Pacific as discussions continue regarding the amount of VAT USP owes the government.

While responding to a question from Opposition MP Jone Usamate on backdated payments to USP during the Committee of Supply session in Parliament on the 2025/2026 National Budget, Professor Prasad said he and the Minister for Education attended a USP Council meeting where there is an issue about VAT that USP owed to government.

He says they are having discussions on the actual amount that is left in arrears.

Professor Prasad says they have already paid two installments of the arrears, and once the discussion is concluded and the actual amount is determined, the balance will be cleared.

He says right now, the government believes the VAT amount that USP owes would balance off the arrears.

The government has paid USP $35 million in arrears.

The Ministry of Finance confirms they believe the government is owed $40 million but it is under discussion.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has criticised the chairperson of Pacific Polytech for sending an email questioning the scrutiny of government funding allocated to the institute and while calling the email “childish” and “inappropriate,” put forward a motion to remove funding for the institute but later withdrew it.

While speaking during the Committee of Supply session in Parliament on the 2025/2026 National Budget, Maharaj says Parliament exists to scrutinise whether funding should be given, increased, or decreased.

He says however, an outsider who is being funded by government, writing to them and claiming there is a breach of privilege because they are scrutinising that funding, does not seem right.

He says he is not sure if it is a private or public institute and the money can be better unitilised for other institutions.

While speaking against the motion, Government MP Lynda Tabuya says Maharaj should reconsider his motion, saying the institution plays a critical role in supporting vulnerable youth, especially iTaukei boys in the Suva-Nausori corridor who have dropped out of school and have nowhere else to turn.

She says Pacific Polytech provides bridging courses leading to certifications and offers scholarships, helping over 40 young people gain skills, avoid idleness, and secure jobs.

Tabuya stresses that political issues or concerns about leadership should not be allowed to harm youth who benefit from these life-changing opportunities, and also highlighted the institution’s plans to expand into rural and maritime areas like Kadavu.

Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad says he does know what communication Maharaj has received but that is not an issue.

He has clarified that the funding for higher education institutions, is not a question of whether they are registered as a private company or something else.

Professor Prasad says the process of higher education funding is through the Fiji Higher Education Commission which approves courses, qualifications, register institutes provisionally and permanently, and they make submissions.

Opposition MP Jone Usamate says he supports increased funding for TVET as it is crucial to focus on producing people who can do jobs, not while majority of the funds that is given to support students in this country goes for people with degrees.

He has highlighted Pacific Polytech’s model of offering micro qualifications with both institutional and on-the-job components, which helps build real skills.

However Usamate raised concerns about the increase in Polytech’s funding while funding for other institutions like University of Fiji and FNU, which also offer TVET, has dropped.

Minister for Environment Mosese Bulitavu also urged Maharaj to withdraw his motion as it addresses youth unemployment.

Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau says the question raised by Maharaj concerns the accountability and transparency of funds allocated by the government as a grant to Pacific Polytech.

Koroilavesau says Pacific Polytech needs to be transparent and accountable by submitting its accounts to the Public Accounts Committee for scrutiny.

While withdrawing his motion, Maharaj said the main reason behind it was to highlight the importance of accountability and transparency to the institution, and he believes this was well addressed during the discussion.

He also acknowledged that there are students enrolled at Pacific Polytech who need to continue their education to secure a brighter future.

Parliament has officially passed the 2025–2026 National Budget, with 75 percent of Members of Parliament voting in favour of the budget, matching the support recorded last year.

A total of 36 MPs voted for the $4.25 billion budget, while 12 voted against it after the conclusion of the Committee of Supply last night.

In his closing remarks, Speaker of Parliament Filimoni Jitoko says the week-long deliberations marked a key exercise in transparency, accountability, and national planning under the Constitution.

He thanked all MPs for their contributions during the debate and described their input as invaluable to the process.

Jitoko also congratulated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad for the successful adoption of the budget.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Prasad says the increase of about $345,000 to $2.39 million for personal emoluments for the Office of the Prime Minister is to cater for new positions and civil service pay increase.

He highlighted this during the Committee of Supply session in parliament for the 2025/2026 National Budget while replying to Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu’s question.

Seruiratu says he understands that Information and Veteran Affairs are now separate from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Professor Prasad says these additional funds are for the creation of new positions such as Senior Secretary for the Assistant Minister and the 3 percent salary increase.

Seruiratu also questioned the increase in travel allowance of the President where Professor Prasad says the increase in $160,000 is aligned to the expenditure trend and VAT adjustments.

Professor Prasad says the cost of travelling has also increased and the President, as Commander in Chief, also visits Fijian peacekeepers abroad.

Seruiratu also questioned Professor Prasad on the progress of the maintenance of the administration block at the State House, and whether it is a heritage building.

Professor Prasad says construction is being done by Public Works Department and it is planned to be completed by this year.

He says the State House washroom, engine room, back gate, Ground Zero, quarters 16, 10A, and 10B, Valekau Common Room and quarters 3, Tavakubu perimeter access, and golf green backfilling have been completed.

He says these structures are very old, having been constructed in 1908 and 1903, and over the years, wear and tear has resulted in a severely dilapidated state for some of the building’s structural components.

The Deputy Prime Minister confirms it is a heritage building, which means the restoration work must be carried out with great care.

Opposition MP Ketan Lal's motion to amend the allocation of funds for the establishment of Fiji’s embassy in Israel has been defeated in Parliament.

$1.13 million has been allocated for the establishment of the Israel Mission, however, Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad adds that this amount will be reimbursed.

Ketan Lal raised concerns over the cost of setting up the embassy, saying it would be a significant expense for Fiji.

A point of order was raised by Professor Biman Prasad who clarified that the motion was out of order.

He says the decision to establish the embassy was made by the Cabinet and could not be amended through the Committee of Supply, as it only deals with increasing, decreasing or removing expenditure items.

Professor Prasad says the discussion is only about the allocation of funding.

Lal argued that the situation in the Middle East is unpredictable and establishing an embassy in Israel is risky and questioned what if another missile was launched at Israel.

He says Fiji will have to evacuate its staff and citizens using Fiji Airways.

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua also defended the allocation, stressing that Fiji has important strategic interests in the Middle East, particularly with soldiers involved in peacekeeping.

Tikoduadua says there are not many embassies in the region and that Fijians rely on one another for support.

Lal further says that Fiji already has an embassy in the United Arab Emirates and questioned the need for another in the region.

Assistant Minister for Justice, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, launched a direct attack in Parliament against Opposition MP Ketan Lal, accusing him of making racist and disrespectful remarks about Fiji’s traditional leadership institutions.

In his response to the 2025–2026 National Budget, Niudamu condemned Lal’s May 21st social media post opposing the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs and told him to stop with the racist remarks and work collaboratively with the traditional leaders of the Vanua.

He reminds Lal of the deep-rooted significance of the Vanua and the chiefly system in Fiji’s history and identity.

He says that Lal is young and does not understand nor appreciate the role of tradition, culture, and the Vanua in the life of this nation, and that the Great Council of Chiefs returns as a milestone in restoring dignity and self-determination to Indigenous Fijians.

He says it was under this government’s leadership that the people and other indigenous communities could now shape their future economically, culturally, and politically.

Ratu Josaia Niudamu fully supported the 2025–2026 National Budget while condemning racism, defending indigenous rights, and calling for stronger investment in rural Fiji.

He says there is a proposal for a Ra-based entrepreneurship centre for youth and women with upgrades on roads connecting rural areas to markets, schools, and clinics and also support for electricity and water access.

Naidamu called for unity in Parliament and urged fellow MPs to stop using language that divides the nation.

Three people will appear in court today facing charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception in separate cases.

Police say that in the first case, a 23-year-old man from Valelevu is alleged to have defrauded more than $900 from three victims by accepting payment for items posted online but failing to deliver the goods.

It is alleged that the offences took place between March and May this year.

He faces three counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and will appear in the Suva Magistrates Court.

In the second case, a 27-year-old woman is charged with one count of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Police say it is alleged that she obtained $1,400 as a deposit for a flat on August 30th 2024.

They say after the victim received no response regarding the flat, a report was filed at the Samabula Police Station.

The woman will appear in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

In the third case, a 25-year-old woman from Nadi is charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception in connection with an online shopping scam.

Police say it is alleged that she took more than $1,500 from a victim for cosmetic items advertised online but never delivered.

They say a complaint was lodged at the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters in Toorak.

The woman will appear in the Nadi Magistrates Court.

The 2025/2026 National Budget is short-sighted, debt-heavy, and dangerously out-of-touch with the real needs of the Fijian people.

While opposing the budget, Opposition Member of Parliament Hem Chand strongly criticized it, saying that after its announcement, he consulted extensively with citizens from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, teachers, market vendors, factory workers, taxi drivers, senior citizens, and residents of rural and remote areas.

He says most people are very disappointed and worried, especially about the rising cost of food.

Chand accused the government of prioritizing short-term political gains over addressing Fiji’s fundamental problems.

Chand criticized the government for increasing the national debt by $2.7 billion by mid-2026, raising the total to $11.7 billion.

He says if borrowing continues at the current pace, debt could surpass $12.6 billion by mid-2027, warning that future generations will bear the heavy burden.

Chand also criticized the Coalition Government’s decision to raise the VAT to 15 percent in 2023, saying it was not well thought out and triggered a cost-of-living crisis that has severely impacted Fijians’ livelihoods over the past two and a half years.

He says that while the government has now reduced VAT to 12.5 percent, this move is insufficient and too little, too late.

He adds that returning VAT to the 2022 level of 9.5 percent would have brought meaningful relief, but the government has blatantly disregarded this.

While highlighting issues such as increasing school dropouts, a severe skills gap, poor road infrastructure, irregular rural bus services, and a failing health system, Chand says the budget failed to deliver substantive solutions.

He says it offers temporary handouts and continues an addiction to borrowing.

The Opposition MP also warned that many skilled workers like teachers, nurses, and engineers are still leaving for countries like Australia and New Zealand, and the small pay raise for civil servants won't stop them.

He says this budget does nothing to stop the brain drain or the skills shortage crisis and we are training our best people for other countries while Fiji struggles to retain talent.

He says the government must stop feeding people empty slogans and start delivering genuine, long-term solutions for the people of Fiji.

Parliament has unanimously agreed to establish a Special Committee on the Sugar Industry to undertake a comprehensive review and provide strategic recommendations for its transformation and long-term sustainability.

The Committee is required to report to Parliament during the November sitting.

The Special Committee will be chaired by Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.

Members will include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Co-operatives Manoa Kamikamica, Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, a member designated by the Leader of the Opposition, and Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua.

While tabling the motion, Prime Minister Rabuka said it arises from the 2025–2026 National Budget address delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, who had announced the formation of such a committee as a necessary step forward.

Rabuka stressed that this is not merely a procedural motion but an urgent measure to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of Fijians, restore confidence in the sugar industry, and secure its future. He noted that the sugar industry began 149 years ago and has long been a pillar of the Fijian economy.

He said the industry not only defined the colonial era and the birth of independent Fiji, but continues to shape the nation today.

The Prime Minister revealed that about $72 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry.

He says it is now time to re-evaluate the sugar industry and work together to find solutions that will restore its former glory and ensure it remains economically viable and beneficial to all stakeholders.