Motion for Debate 1 – Response

0

Prime Minister, and Minister for Civil Service, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics to move pursuant to section 13 of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act 2014 –

“That Parliament makes a determination to suspend the remuneration of the following positions by 20 percent of the base salaries as set out in Part A of the Schedule to the Gazette Notice No. 516 of 2024 on the Determination of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, for the duration of the fuel crisis situation: Cabinet Ministers; Assistant Ministers; Leader of the Opposition; and Members of Parliament.”

Salutations

  • Honorable Speaker Sir,
  • Honorable Ministers and Assistant Ministers,
  • Honorable Leader of Opposition,
  • Honorable Members of Parliament, and
  • Ladies & Gentlemen

Ni sa bula vina’a and a very good afternoon to you all.

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, Fiji, like many small island developing states, remains vulnerable to external shocks. The current fuel crisis—driven by global supply disruptions and price volatility—has placed significant pressure on our economy, our fiscal position, and most importantly, on our people.
  2. Fuel is not just a commodity. It underpins transportation and logistics, electricity generation, food supply chains and economic activity across all sectors.
  3. As costs rise, the burden is felt most acutely by ordinary Fijian households, rural communities, and small businesses.

Leadership Through Shared Sacrifice

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, this motion reflects a simple but important principle: leadership must begin with example.
  2. At a time when Government is calling on the nation to exercise restraint, efficiency, and resilience, it is both appropriate and necessary that we, as leaders, demonstrate shared sacrifice.
  3. This temporary adjustment to remuneration is not symbolic—it is a deliberate signal of solidarity, accountability, and responsible leadership.

Alignment with Fiscal Discipline and Government Reform Agenda

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, this measure is fully aligned with Government’s broader commitment to:
  2. Fiscal discipline and prudent expenditure management;
  3. Reprioritisation of resources toward essential services;
  • Strengthening economic resilience in times of crisis; and
  1. Restoring confidence in public financial management.
  2. Since taking office, the Coalition Government has consistently advanced reforms aimed at reducing wasteful expenditure, improving efficiency across the public sector and ensuring that public resources are directed to areas of greatest national need.
  3. This motion complements those efforts by reinforcing the principle that fiscal responsibility applies at all levels of leadership.

Supporting National Mitigation Measures

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, Government has already taken steps to mitigate the impacts of the fuel crisis, including:
  2. Prioritisation of fuel allocation to essential services;
  3. Strengthening supply chain coordination;
  4. Supporting vulnerable sectors and communities; and
  5. Advancing energy resilience and diversification strategies.
  6. The savings from this measure, while modest in fiscal terms, contribute to a broader framework of cost containment, resource reallocation and crisis response readiness.
  7. More importantly, it strengthens public trust—that Government is acting decisively and fairly.

Temporary, Targeted, and Responsible Measure

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, let me emphasise that this is:
  2. A temporary measure, linked specifically to the duration of the fuel crisis;
  3. A targeted intervention, affecting only base salaries; and
  • A responsible adjustment, undertaken within the provisions of the law.
  1. It does not compromise the functioning of Government, but rather reinforces our commitment to serve with integrity and accountability.

Unity and Bipartisan Support

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, this motion transcends politics. It is about national responsibility, collective leadership and standing with our people during challenging times.
  2. It is therefore fitting that it applies across Government, Opposition and all Members of this Honourable House. In doing so, we send a unified message: that in times of difficulty, we stand together, and we act together.

Conclusion

  1. Honourable Speaker Sir, this measure reflects the values that must guide us in times of crisis – Responsibility, Discipline, Solidarity and Leadership by example.
  2. It aligns with our national priorities, supports our fiscal strategy, and reinforces the trust placed in us by the people of Fiji.
  3. I therefore urge all Honourable Members to support this motion in the spirit of unity, resilience, and national service.
  4. Thank you, Honourable Speaker Sir.
Translate »