When addressing the cost of living, both taxation and income must be considered – Prof. Prasad

As we get ready for the 2025/2026 National Budget announcement at the end of this month, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Prasad says when addressing the cost of living, both taxation and income must be considered.

Professor Prasad has told fijivillage News that the focus should not only be on the government’s support through tax relief, but also on how income levels can be raised.

When asked about public expectations for the upcoming budget, he stresses the 2025–2026 National Budget will focus on continuing some of the strong social policies introduced in the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 budgets.

Professor Prasad adds they have 22 items that have zero VAT, increased cane prices, increased civil servants’ pay, and raised the minimum wage.

The 22 items on zero VAT include flour, rice, sugar, canned fish, cooking oil, potatoes, onions, garlic, baby milk, powdered milk, liquid milk, dhal, tea, salt, soap, soap powder, toilet paper, sanitary pads, toothpaste, kerosene, cooking gas and prescribed medicines.

The Deputy Prime Minister also says he has no comments on the Commission of Inquiry report on Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner, as he is currently focused on the delivery of the budget.

The 2025–2026 National Budget address will be delivered by Professor Prasad in Parliament on the 27th of this month.