Unity Fiji leader, Savenaca Narube called for “a review of the modality of Australia’s general budget support” to Fiji.
He made the comments while speaking at the Integrity Summit in Canberra, Australia recently.
He questioned why a need was there to take large delegation to COP29 in Baku.
“The question that I silently asked was this: Why would donors such as Australia agree to fund such excessive delegations?” he said.
“Is it a reward for good family behaviour?”
Mr Narube also pointed out the increase in Cabinet size from 26 to 35.
“This cost is additional to the huge increase in salaries and tax-free allowances that the Parliament awarded themselves within six months of forming a new government.”
“A parliament deciding how much to pay themselves is unethical and maybe illegal. This self-serving prioritization is irresponsible.”
“I would therefore like to see a review of the modality of Australia’s general budget support.”
“While the recipients should continue to enjoy flexibility on how they spend the general budget support, the policy triggers must be tightened to ensure that donors funds are effectively used.”
