The Bose Levu Vakaturaga Bill 2026 will be fast-tracked through Parliament and will not be referred to a Standing Committee, with MPs given one hour to debate the proposed legislation before voting on it tomorrow.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifireimi Vasu introduced the Bill in Parliament under Standing Order 51 last evening and moved that it be considered without delay.
Under the timetable proposed by Vasu, the Bill will pass through all its stages at a single sitting and will not be referred to a Standing Committee or any other parliamentary committee.
“The Bill must be debated and voted upon by Parliament on Thursday, 1st October, 2026, but that one hour be given to debate the Bill with the right of reply given to me as the Member moving,” Vasu said.
The motion was seconded by Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Vasu told Parliament the Bose Levu Vakaturaga was an institution of significant customary importance and its legislative framework was directly linked to the responsibilities of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
“The Bose Levu Vakaturaga is an institution of great customary significance,” he said.
“Its legislative framework goes directly to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs’ responsibilities for iTaukei governance, traditional institutions, culture and heritage.”
Vasu said the legislation was important to the councils and communities served by the institution and to its relationship with Government.
He said MPs would still have an opportunity to examine and debate the merits of the legislation despite the expedited process.
“As the Minister responsible for iTaukei Affairs, I consider it important that Parliament have the opportunity to address this institution’s framework during its present term,” Vasu said.
“I ask the honourable Members to support it, so that the Bill can receive consideration within the time available.”
The Bill is scheduled to be debated and put to a vote tomorrow.
