Fiji MPs question $1 million Constitution Review Commission funding

Questions arose in Fiji's Parliament regarding the Constitution Review Commission's substantial $1 million budget. Opposition Members of Parliament, including Jone Usamate, demanded clarity on how these funds would be utilized, particularly questioning the necessity of the allocation given the completion of the commission's consultation phase.

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Questions were raised in Parliament over the Constitution Review Commission’s $1 million funding, with MPs demanding clarity on what the allocation will pay for.

Attorney-General Siromi Turaga explained that the money is earmarked for the commission's operational needs. This includes the engagement of 20 lawyers from the Legal Aid Commission and support staff working with the secretariat. While the consultation period has concluded, Turaga confirmed that work on the final report is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of August before submission to the President.

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the money was for the commission’s operations, including hiring 20 lawyers from the Legal Aid Commission and supporting staff working with the secretariat.

Further scrutiny came from Opposition MP Premila Kumar, who challenged a $100,000 allocation for workshops, consultations, and conferences. She argued this contradicted the government's stated commitment to reducing spending in such areas. However, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel countered that the funding had not increased and had, in fact, been reduced from $562,000 to $100,000. The Attorney-General's Office budget has since received parliamentary approval.

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the consultation phase has finished, but work on the final report is continuing.