FCOSS Chief Calls for MPs to Reverse Decision

The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) executive director, Vani Catanasiga, is urging parliamentarians to heed the voices of citizens.

This advice comes in response to concerns about the salary increase of Members of Parliament. Despite being gazetted on Thursday evening, Ms Catanasiga believes the new salary increase is still unjustifiable.

“This takes into consideration the daily struggles of ordinary people and the vulnerable,” Ms Catanasiga said.

“There is a more urgent need to address the pressing cost of living issues faced by parts of the civil service that deliver essential and social services, such as police, nurses, teachers, and others whose salaries have been stagnant for far longer than politicians.”

She also noted a lack of independence in the emoluments committee and a lack of performance measures or reviews.

Ms Catanasiga highlighted that the salary increase has been condemned and criticised by the people.

FCOSS is aware that there are parliamentary procedures for the reversal of those decisions and is urging parliamentarians to take action to reverse the decision, including not passing the proposed amendments to the Emoluments Act.

“The people of Fiji plea with the parliamentarians to do everything that is legally permissible to reverse the decision made to increase their salary,” she said.

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