Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has called out the Government over an unfulfilled promise to provide official accommodation for the Opposition Leader, raising the issue during a heated parliamentary debate on salary cuts.
Speaking in his right of reply, Mr Seruiratu said while the Opposition had entered discussions in good faith and was prepared to support a 20 per cent pay reduction, broader issues of accountability and commitments must also be addressed.
“You promised to provide official residence for the Opposition Leader. I have never asked for that… no one has ever approached the Opposition Leader to say there is quarters there for you,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu noted that the provision was part of a parliamentary determination made on May 30, 2024, but said no steps had been taken to implement it.
He stressed that his remarks were not about personal benefit, but about highlighting inconsistencies in the treatment of parliamentary entitlements and obligations.
At the same time, he defended his controversial proposal to cut MPs’ salaries by 50 per cent, saying it was made on principle and without coercion.
“I would allow all honourable Members of the House to vote on conscience. I do not have to apply pressure on the Members of the Opposition,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu also revealed he was willing to lead by example by proposing further reductions to the Opposition Leader’s Office budget.
“I am willing to start the process… to bring it down to $100,000,” he said, referencing earlier salary levels.
He acknowledged anticipating criticism during the debate, particularly from Government members, but said such reactions were expected.
“I knew… I was going to be personally attacked… and that did happen,” he added.
The exchange came as Parliament debated competing motions on salary reductions, with Government ultimately securing support for a 20 per cent cut, while Mr Seruiratu’s amendment for a deeper reduction was defeated.
Despite the outcome, his remarks have drawn attention to unresolved commitments and ongoing tensions between Government and Opposition benches.
