Speaking during debate on a motion to fast-track the Bill under Parliamentary Standing Order 51, Usamate says the proposed legislation is significant because of the customary role chiefs and the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, also known as the Great Council of Chiefs, play in Fiji.
He says MPs have not had enough time to thoroughly examine the Bill and believes it should have been referred to a parliamentary committee for about a month before returning to Parliament for debate.
Usamate says if the Bill is passed, it will be a historic occasion and Parliament should therefore have enough time to examine its provisions and identify any issues that may need to be addressed.
He says the Opposition's concern is not necessarily with the Bill itself, but with the decision to try to fast-track it without referring it to a committee.
Usamate says the legislation will have an impact on the iTaukei community and the wider country, making proper scrutiny important.
Meanwhile, Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu says the Bose Levu Vakaturaga is an institution of great customary significance to the Ministry of iTaukei.
He says its legislative framework goes directly to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs’ responsibilities for iTaukei governance, traditional institutions, culture and heritage.
Vasu says it matters to the councils, to the communities it serves, and to the way those institutions work with the Government.
The Minister further says the Bill coincides with the constitutional amendment process currently underway.
Vasu says the 1997 Constitution had recognised the Great Council of Chiefs and the proposed legislation is intended to support iTaukei governance and the people of Fiji.
