Our people in the rural areas increasingly understand that, while they appreciate receiving infrastructure development, it is the responsibility of every Government to provide these amenities for them says Shadow Economy Minister Aseri Radrodro.

While delivering his Budget response, Mr Radrodro questioned where the funding for all that is promised in the Budget will come from.

“In fact, they are now asking, how Government meets all these expenditures. Where will the money come from? They ask. They refuse to be held responsible for putting our future generations into debt.

“These are the practical issues we need to “Free Fiji from”. Our people prefer to see how Government will empower them to be self reliant rather than depending on handouts,” he said.

Mr Radrodro said the increase in the income tax threshold would not assist many Fijians such as a taxi driver and those who sell on roadsides.

“Any Government of the day has the responsibility to ensure equitable service provision for the nation. And the maximisation of Government resources as these services or developments will be met by taxpayers.

“This is not reflected in this Budget. However it will be interesting to see who will benefit the most from this Budget.  Will all the people of Fiji embrace the Budget or only a selected few?”

He said that to turn around the lives of our people and bring back faith in the economy, domestic growth must be bolstered, more local jobs created, and foreign exports increased.

“We need a Budget that ensures we are building a stronger economy – without hurting the things that help it grow. Madam Speaker I have to sound the warning that we may have a rigged economy.

One, in which we suspect figures have been inflated to project a positive outlook.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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