Workings of parliament are not a waste of time - Ratu Epeli

"I can assure you that the workings of your parliament are not a waste of time and nor are they useless."

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau stressed this in parliament as he said some parliamentarians have raised a number of concerns regarding parliament's priorities amidst the national COVID-19 outbreak.

Ratu Epeli says these parliamentarians have questioned why parliament is not prioritising discussion on the pandemic and this is resulting in prolonged debates.

He says members of the public are also raising concerns as to why COVID-19 issues are not on the current agenda of parliament.

Ratu Epeli has made it clear the pandemic has delayed parliament's work and there were matters in the parliament order of business for the April sitting that was put aside as parliament was unable to sit.

He says what the parliament is trying to do now is clear all the pending business including committee reports, legislative reviews and other matters before they proceed to other pressing matters.