PM says availability of funding and public consultation a must before salary changes through Bill

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka assures the people that a Bill to amend the Parliamentary Remunerations Act 2014 will be prepared by the Solicitor General’s Office, and it will undergo public consultations and independent review, before it is considered by Cabinet and Parliament.

Rabuka adds there are a number of factors that will be considered by Cabinet before the Bill is presented to Parliament.

One of the important determinants is the availability of funding to meet the associated expenditure on the motion passed by Parliament.

Based on this premise, the government will consider options available to minimise the impact of the increase to our national budget.

Rabuka says members of the public can have their say on the Bill once it is ready and released for consultation.

He encourages the public to be objective in their assessment.

The Prime Minister assures members of the public that the increase in pay and allowances for Members of Parliament and Cabinet has not yet come into effect.

He says due processes have to be followed before increases can be authorised which include amendments to the Parliamentary Remunerations Act of 2014.

Rabuka says he wants to assure the nation that he is listening to your views aired since the motion was passed last week in Parliament.

However he believes at this stage it is premature to comment on the proposals from the Parliamentary Emoluments Committee.

He says people are commenting freely, as it is their human right.

Rabuka says the media is free to report on reactions from the public as it is the people's freedom and right to receive information freely.

He says this is democracy in action, where members of the public have their say and the media reports freely.

Rabuka says with regard to the MOUs' establishing the Coalition Government, that is a matter between the parties, and will be discussed between the parties, at their discretion.