Parliament passes amendments to 15 Decrees and Acts

The Parliament yesterday passed amendments for 15 Decrees and Acts as proposed by Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

While speaking in parliament, Sayed-Khaiyum proposed to amend the Service Turnover Tax Decree 2012, Tax Administration Decree 2009, Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Decree, Income Tax Act, Fringe Benefit Tax Decree 2012, the Excise Act 1986, Customs Act 1986, Customs Tariff Act 1986, Value Added Tax Decree 1991, Capital Gains Tax 2012, Stamp Duties Act Cap.205, Fiji National Provident Fund Decree 2012, Maritime Transport Decree 2013, Ship Registration Decree and the Land Sales Act.

As proposed by the Finance Minister, a five minute time limit was given to each side of the house for debate on the bills.

During the debate, government member Ashneel Sudhakar highlighted that the Land Sales Act restricts certain foreigners from buying or leasing State or Freehold land as this gives an added value to I-taukei land.

He said there is a lot of land owned by foreigners which is left vacant and once this Act comes into effect, development should start within 24 months on that land of substantial value of over 250,000 dollars.

He said currently these land are sold over and over again.

Opposition member Viliame Gavoka said they are in a state of shock that something so important for this country has been only given five minutes to debate on.

The opposition wanted five minutes each to debate on each Decree and Act.

During his right of reply, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted on the FNPF and other decrees.

The Opposition did not vote for the amendments in the Acts and Decrees yesterday afternoon however 30 government members voted in favor of the amendments.

The Parliament sitting has been adjourned to 9.30am today.