The spotlight shifts to Parliament today as Members begin debating the 2026–2027 National Budget, following last month’s Budget Address by Minister for Finance Esrom Immanue.
Parliament will commence at 9.30am, with the Minister for Finance moving the Second Reading of the 2026–2027 Appropriation Bill, which seeks parliamentary approval to appropriate $4.237 billion for the ordinary services of Government for the financial year ending 31 July 2027.
The debate will open with a response from Shadow Minister for Finance Inia Seruiratu, who is expected to outline the Opposition’s position on the Budget before contributions from Government and Opposition Members.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will be the second speaker, followed by Parveen Bala, Alitia Bainivalu, Premila Kumar, Aliki Bia, Sanjay Kirpal, Mosese Bulitavu, Kalaveti Ravu, Sakiasi Ditoka, Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu, Viliame Gavoka, Alipate Tuicolo, Manoa Kamikamica, Viliame Naupoto, Sashi Kiran, Virendra Lal, Shalen Kumar, Hem Chand, Inosi Kuridrani, Joseph Nand, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and Vijay Nath.
The debate is expected to focus on key Budget measures, including tax changes, the cost of living, infrastructure spending, healthcare, education, economic growth and Government debt.
The Appropriation Bill must be passed by Parliament before the new financial year’s expenditure can be implemented.
