Seruiratu resigns as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources

Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu resigned this morning as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in order to devote more of his time to his parliamentary role as Leader of the Opposition.

Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says he has accepted Seruiratu’s resignation upon being satisfied that the Standing Order 117 Clause 3 has been complied with.

Standing Order 117 Clause 3 provides that a chairperson and deputy chairperson may only be replaced if the chairperson and deputy chairperson have served for at least 12 months during the 4-year term of parliament.

Ratu Naiqama says Deputy Chairperson Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu will preside over the election of the Chairperson accordingly at their next meeting.

He says FijiFirst MP Jone Usamate has been appointed as a member of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, and Aseri Radrodro has been appointed as a Standing Committee on Social Affairs member, replacing Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.

The Speaker says Kiran will remain as a member of the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.