PM clarifies parliamentary salary increase

The salary increase for Members of Parliament was clarified by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during last night’s Fiji Media Associationhosted Town Hall Meeting in Ba.

Mr Rabuka said the increase was “… largely a restoration of reductions made during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with additional adjustments recommended by Parliament’s Emolument Committee, chaired by Lynda Tabuya”.

He said this while replying to Ba resident, Paul Seforana who queried the increase. Mr Seforana said the issue was widely discussed, with many political parties promising reforms during the last General Election.

He said one of the first actions of Parliament after the election was to seek salary and allowance increases for its members. “My question, why was it approved?” Mr Seforana asked.

“If you are re-elected in the next election, will there also be another pay increase for incoming Members of Parliament?” In response, Mr Rabuka said parliamentary salaries and allowances were determined by Parliament itself, not Government. “Salaries, particularly for Members of Parliament, are handled by Parliament,” he said.

“Sometimes, when recommendations come in, Government may ask them to reconsider depending on the situation.”

Mr Rabuka said the recent salary adjustments were largely a restoration of reductions made during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with additional adjustments recommended by Parliament’s Emolument Committee, chaired by Lynda Tabuya.

“The one we received recently came after a big reduction across the board during COVID. When that was restored, plus the increase that was supposed to have happened, the recommendation of the committee came back with it. It was not an easy thing for Government to carry through, but we properly justified the increases during the debate in Parliament.”

The Prime Minister said the salary reviews were not automatic after every election, adding such decisions must align with national economic conditions and wage trends.

“It has to be considered with all salary and wage increases, including the minimum wage. The cost of living adjustment formula is still being used, so everyone, including Members of Parliament, takes on an increase based on the cost of living.”