The Leader of the Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa said the Social Democratic Liberal Party wants the salary levels of the Opposition Leader and Members of Parliament reviewed.
In an interview with Fijivillage, Ro Teimumu said the salary level of $50,000 for MP’s is not enough compared to the Prime Minister’s salary.
Ro Teimumu said the increase is needed as the MP’s need to travel around Fiji.
When we questioned Ro Teimumu about her $120,000 salary, she said this should also be reviewed based on what the Prime Minister and the Ministers are receiving.
The Opposition Leader also gets an official car with driver, official mobile phone, internet connection at residence, four weeks leave, free accommodation and meals for all official local travel, business class travel for official meetings and UNDP subsistence allowance plus 50 percent together with $150 per day incidental allowance for overseas traal allowance.
Ro Teimumu has refused to confirm what SODELPA feels would be the appropriate level of salaries for the Opposition Leader and MP’s.
She said they will take the matter further.
Ro Teimumu said this may come up during the National Budget debate.
According to the Parliamentary Remunerations Decree, the Prime Minister receives a salary of $328,750, the Minister for Finance receives $235,000, the Ministers for Health, Education, Infrastructure and Transport get $200,000, and other Ministers receive $185,000.
The Leader of the Opposition receives $120,000 while MP’s receive $50,000 plus accommodation, travelling and sitting allowances.
The decree also states that parliament may by resolution appoint a committee which shall provide advice to parliament on the determination of the salaries.
National Federation Party Leader, Biman Prasad had earlier said that they were also exploring this option and will raise the matter in parliament.
