Budget raises serious concerns - Kumar

FijiFirst MP, Premila Kumar says the 2023/2024 National Budget raises serious concerns regarding its impact on citizens and businesses as the increase in VAT and tax will have a detrimental effect on people and the economy.

While opposing the budget, Kumar says the budget is disappointing and it would be an understatement as it is underwhelming, unfair, irresponsible and deceitful.

Kumar says instead of instilling hope, the budget has left everyone in despair as it has not adopted a collective approach to growing the economy and building confidence.

She says there is no sign that Fiji is on the path of physical repair.

She says such changes can affect the economy to slow down and impact the revenue collection for the government.

Kumar says TELS is not forgiven and is converted into a bond where 53,725 will reap the benefit at the expense of most Fijians who do not have student debt which is unfair and inappropriate to ask the rest of the citizens to pay.

She further says this means every year the government will have to raise $150 million or even more through taxes to pay for tertiary education.