We must make sure that every dollar that people pay in tax, is spent wisely by the govt – Prof. Prasad

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says it's his specific objective that they must make sure that every dollar that people pay in tax, is wisely spent by the government.

The Minister for Finance highlighted this in his opening speech at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation breakfast meeting at GPH.

Professor Prasad says to spend tax money more efficiently, they want to cut wastage and divert that money into priority sectors like health, education, skills development and provide incentives where necessary to ensure they promote new ideas, new businesses and new activities.

The Minister further says as part of the Economic Summit in April, a 10 or 11-member Fiscal Review Committee is expected to be announced today.

Professor Prasad says the Fiscal Review Committee is important as they will specifically look at Government expenditure, expenditure policy, revenue policy and tax policy.

He also says they need to deliver a National Budget that will lay certainty and consistency and not for just one year, but will indicate that investment decisions are very important.

He says that they need to support the private sector and are determined to improve the delivery of key government services.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the coalition government is ready to listen to all organisations as they want to know what is needed to help the private sector take the lead role in the economy.

He adds they want to create an environment and create a feeling among people that the government is here to work with them, support them and learn from them.