DAILY HANSARD

            HON. M. BULANAUCA.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to second the motion.

            Question put.

            Motion agreed to.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

            MR. SPEAKER.- Honourable Members, I take this opportunity to welcome visitors in the House this morning, especially students who are in the gallery.  I warmly welcome you and we appreciate your visit to the House and for having the time to be with us.  I hope that your visit will be very pleasant and educational as well.  

RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON THE 2007 APPROPRIATION BILL, 2006

            HON. D.U. MANUFOLAU.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to contribute briefly to the 2007 national Budget. 

            Sir, all governments need to raise money, to carry out the business of governing and the most efficient way of doing this is to collect a reasonable amount in taxes, spend the money wisely and as transparently as possible within the established rules of efficiency. 

            However, the Budget delivered in this august House on Friday, 3rd November has failed miserably on both these counts.  The Budget is a major disappointment to the majority of people from every walk of life in this country.  Most of the speakers before me have, in their contributions, alluded to the pros and cons of this Budget.  So, for my part, I would like to ponder on the $US150 million Bond that Government had raised to offset the Budget deficit.  The amount raised, as you know, was $US150 million and this is intended to cover the Budget deficit.  The debt servicing cost of this overseas bond will be a drain on the country's finances in future years.

            Sir, the question that comes to mind on this Budget deficit is how much of it represents capital expenditure, as opposed to operational expenditure?  I understand that all of this money received from abroad, will be used for operational purposes and not one cent on capital expenditure.

            The interest rate of 6.5 per cent, I must admit, is relatively attractive.  But the fact that bonds are dominated in American dollars means that any devaluation of the Fijian dollar will increase repayments since Fiji dollar is obligated to make.  Given the current precarious state of the Balance of Payment, there is considerable risk that the Fijian dollar will need to be devalued in due course and when that happens, we will be paying more interest, in fact double or triple the amount in Fiji dollar terms on this bond.

            Fiji needs to pave its way in the world, but by borrowing money internationally to fund its deficit Budget, Government is increasing future current deficits, because of the interest payments on the international bonds, must be paid in foreign currency.  To this extent, Government is working against the best interest of the country and its future generations. 

            Furthermore, Sir, by borrowing on such a sizeable amount and bringing the money onshore, will undoubtedly, lead to increased inflationary pressure on our local economy. 

            This move by Government goes against the work of the Reserve Bank, which is trying to control inflation by increasing interest rate to bring about some control on the high liquidity situation we are faced with.  Government should have borrowed locally, to assist the Reserve Bank on the long haul.  Why has it not done this?

            Is it because the FNPF has finally told them enough is enough, or is it because in bringing in the offshore $US150 million, it will be able to fool the people and indeed the country by showing an operating surplus at the end of 2007?

            Sir, Fiji's bond rating is likely to deteriorate, given our political situation, and should the situation get worse, bond holders may call up payment on the bonds prior to its maturity.  Do we have the money to pay off early, if the need arises?  I hope for the sake of our people and the future generations, such a situation will not occur, because if it does, then God help our beloved Fiji.

            It is generally noted that in economies experiencing high growth rates, Government collects larger amounts of revenue.  Such a situation would mean that Government does not have to levy new taxes or increase the rates of current taxes.  Such a large size of economic pie benefits everyone, the Government, as well as the people.

            However, Sir, if the economy is stagnant or declining, as in the case experienced under the SDL Government, then larger revenue collection by Government merely redistributes income from the people to the Government.  In order to justify such redistribution, Government needs to convince the people that it can use the extra income it gets from the people more wisely than if it was left to the hands of the people.  Sir, what do we get from Government?  Even before they receive any revenue for the new year, it has been announced that the honourable Prime Minister will be getting a $1 million house.  His Chief Executive Officer justifies this, by stating that the current resident of the honourable Prime Minister has leaking roofs and no space to entertain guests.  For the past five years he was running this country, no such utterances were made.

            With all due respect to the honourable Prime Minister, I ask this august House, how insensitive can Government be, by budgeting such a lavish amount to be spent on a single resident, while at the same time, calls on our citizens to tighten their belts and control their spending on basic items need, in their normal day to day living?

            Further, Sir, every year since the existence of this Government, we receive reports from the Auditor General that contains depressingly familiar litany of incompetence, negligence and sheer stupidity, from those in the high echelons of Government.  It is a fact, that the Auditor's Report published every year, has no meaningful impact on the people, apart from wastage and in most cases, there is blatant misuse of funds and lack of accountability.  The latest Report mentioned taxpayers money was used to pay for the following:

            (a)        pay for former Ministers' overseas jaunts;

            (b)        our overseas missions with outstanding traffic fines;

            (c)        violation and abuse of funds in the Department of Water; and

            (d)       contracting out of more than $3 million worth of work to relatives in the Department of Energy under the Ministry of Public Utilities; and the list goes on.

            Given the poor state of governance and lack of transparency over the past five years, this Government can hardly be trusted to manage State money, better than the average citizen in this country.

            On the other hand, Sir, I am hopeful that the presence and examples shown by my Labour colleagues in Cabinet, in terms of their ministerial management skills, will bring about much needed improvement on Government, as envisioned by the people of our country.

            Sir, I am in agreement with the honourable Minister for Labour, that he will resign from Cabinet should Government further increase VAT.  This will, (in view of the fact that since the existence of the SDL Government) embark on increasing this indirect tax measure from zero to 10 per cent, further increased to 12.5 per cent and now the stomach hitting 15 per cent. 

            Sir, VAT is a regressive tax that takes no account of an individuals' earning capacity or financial status.  Through VAT, the poorest of the poor will have to pay the same as the richest of the rich.  Do you consider that as a fair system of taxation?  No, definitely not.  Therefore, I call on the honourable Members of the SDL Government, to explain this to those who live in villages and rural areas and those earning below the poverty line wages, I am sure, Sir, they will be blessed with answers from these people.

            I call on the Government to initiate a study and find out if there is limit to the VAT tax rate and of the overall rate of tax collection in this country.   Sir, I call on this, because in a situation of low level of this country's development, large size informal economy and questionable use of tax dollars by this Government would seem that the country has passed a reasonable limit of taxation.  If such is indeed the case, then I shudder to imagine the future we have to face. 

            Sir, I must warn the Government that any further increases in tax has the potential to:

            (a)        hurt work incentives;

            (b)        depress growth;

            (c)        reduce job creation; and

            (d)       spread poverty beyond the 34 per cent of our population who are currently living below the poverty level.

            More damaging for the national economy, can be the high level of Government spending.  It is a wrong choice of priority sector for spending and its inefficient use of allocated funds.  It is no secret that this Government has spent millions of dollars to pay for inefficient and unprofessional management decisions such as the:

            (a)        $5 million to pay the Japanese Government for the Lami jetty saga;

            (b)        $4 to $5 million to pay contractors for Government withdrawal, on the road project at Tailevu due to lack of funds;

            (c)       millions unnecessarily spent on legal fees for court cases that Government seldom wins; and

            (d)       millions in fees that Government pays due to the wrong industrial relations decision made by PSC every year and the list goes on.

The most notable thing here, Sir, is that no one will be made accountable for these blunders.

            We have all heard of the honourable Minister for Finance promise, that during this term, Government will no longer come back to seek Parliaments approval for supplementary allocations.  I pray and hope that he keeps his word, for after making such a promise, the people will expect nothing less, than his resignation if he fails to keep his words.

            For too long, Sir, we have heard the term "working together, in partnership", but the honourable Prime Minister is not showing good faith and setting the examples to convince the people that he is genuine with the true multi-party spirit.

            Sir, six months after the existence of the Multi-Party Government, we still hear that some Fiji Labour Party Cabinet Ministers exist in isolation.  They have no CEO, no private secretaries and only a handful of office staff.  I visited one office Sir, and the Minister is set in an office block, no different to the secretary that is beside him.  Is that how we expect people to respect Ministers under the multi-party concept?  Where is the genuinity?  Where is the partnership?  Where is the spirit of goodwill, if Cabinet Members are treated no less than a senior clerk in their own Ministry?

            Sir, in the true multi-party spirit, I question why the honourable Prime Minister did not approach the honourable leader of the Fiji Labour Party for them to work together and formulate a Budget that would have easily been regarded as a true multi-party Budget.  Sir, he would not only create history, but would have set a precedent on major parties working together for the greater benefit of our people.  It would not be too much of an effort for a leader to humble himself and offer the olive branch to his political opponent, and, Sir, such a move would have chartered the way forward for this country.  The argument of "damned if they do, and damned if they don't", vote for the Budget would not have arisen for the Labour Cabinet Ministers if there was genuine soul searching of what true leadership means.  This country, Sir, cannot afford - so get rid of the multi-party concept for it is an opening to the future for a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic community. 

            I understand that the honourable Prime Minister has threatened that he will not replace Labour Cabinet Ministers from the Labour backbenchers if the present Labour Ministers do not vote for the Budget. 

            My humble advice, Sir, to the honourable Prime Minister is to tread carefully for you do not want your opponents to accuse you of running an unconstitutional Government.  Now, of all times, tread carefully on how you run this Government. 

            Sir, when you look at developments in this country, or the lack of it, there is an institution that this Government is not utilising to assist in developing our country, and, Sir, that is the Military. Sir, we do not have commercialised farming, our hotels are hungry for vegetables that we cannot produce, so I suggest you change the Act, and use the Military to help in commercial farming.  Get all the unemployed young men and women of this country - the thousands that leave school every year to join them and be trained.  Get them out of their bad drug habits and teach them discipline.  Put them into a kibbutz system as they do in Israel.  Thailand has used the Military effectively and has become an asset to their Government.

            Sir, we have sitting in the Military Forces yard, equipment that could fix our roads in the interior, in the islands and even Levuka.  Sometimes when I go to that island, I think there is no one there representing that island.  Their roads can hardly be classified as a road and even tractors cannot be driven through that road.  What I am saying, Sir, change the Act and use the Military Forces to employ our young men and women to develop this country through commercialised farming.  They would fix the roads, repair and build schools and every other thing at a much cheaper price - fix the Act and use them.     

            Sir, for my part, I cannot vote for a Budget that will bring about untold misery and hardship to the majority of people of this country - no way!

            With those words, Sir, I thank you for your indulgence in allowing me time to speak. 

            HON. LT. COL. I. LUVENI.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am honoured to speak in support of the 2007 Budget, presented by the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning.

            At the outset, I would like to record my unwavering support for the honourable Prime Minister, and my gratitude to the Multi-Party Cabinet with its established multi-party system, that cannot evolve without a viable economy, and cannot exist without credible leadership - strong and wise enough, to guide us through challenging times. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the compressed version of the 2007 Budget, as presented, makes it all appear simple and straightforward.  The Budget has been a result of a comprehensive and detailed planning, and consultation.  In this regard, I would like to record my appreciation to the honourable Minister for Finance, his staff, as well as the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Budget, for the hard work that resulted in a Budget, that is distributed, based on the absorption capacities of stakeholders, that encourage budgeting within allocated resources, and a hope to create a "fair" and not a "welfare" society. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, with all due respect to the excellent responses already presented, I would like to register my appreciation to the honourable Minister for Labour for his most inspiring response.  His, was a thorough, meticulous and scrupulously fair presentation, prepared out of his own conviction, and focused on the development issues to move the country forward; an exemplary for new politicians like myself. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the 2007 Budget is designed to achieve the targeted economic growth of five per cent per year.  The onus is therefore on us to enhance and strengthen further, a spirit of working in partnership, at all levels to achieve this goal. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to elaborate on the programmes of the Fiji Prisons Service.  Although we did not receive, the full estimation we presented for consideration in the 2007 Budget, it is nonetheless satisfactory, to the level that would enable us to implement the policies governed by law. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the role of the Prisons Service, as has been in existence for many years, concentrate on safe, secure and humane treatment, of persons in custody, and improvement of inmate rehabilitation.  Given the increase in budget for Prisons from $13.6 million to $14 million, I would suggest that the outcomes and outputs, as stated on page 107 of the Budget paper, be changed to reflect jargons that best suit the nature of prison work.  The outputs on page 107 talks about "detention", a term mainly associated with remandees, which, in other jurisdiction, is the role of the Police.  Fiji does not have detention centres.  Prison is purely an institution, concerning safety and security of inmates, and the nature of this role, should not be necessarily viewed, as efficiently and effectively upholding the rule of law.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, key projects to be undertaken from next year, include the Relocation of Suva Prison, Renovation of Prison Quarters, Upgrading of Communications and CCTV, and Upgrading Cell Blocks for Labasa and other prisons. I shall deal with these capital projects individually.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, Suva Prison has been the subject of debate in the recent past, because of its dilapidated condition.  It is very old, and falls short of the international standard as well as human rights and OHS law in Fiji.  Many persons remanded in custody of serious violent cases have been released by the courts, to await trial outside in the community, because the poor conditions of that prisons, is unfit for human habitation.  Not only that, Suva Prison had been experiencing overcrowding as proven by the fact, that while it has an approved capacity of 235, the actual capacity is 257.  It is estimated that the total cost of the project would be around $35 million and is to be completed in three years.  However, the motion for progress will depend on incremental distribution of resources on annual basis, by the Government.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, while the Service is determined to improve its capacity for proper rehabilitation facilities and accommodation for prisoners, staff quarters need to be equally improved.  It is for this reason that Government has allocated $200,000 next year for prison quarters and institutions.  Another $150,000 has been allocated for the purpose of renovating old prison buildings as part of its modernisation programme towards self-containing cell blocks.  The renovation programme started in 2003 in Lautoka followed by medium prison this year and it is expected that the allocation next year will address Labasa Prison.  The Prison Service will pursue additional funding with Government to complete Taveuni, Levuka and Ba in the normal budgetary process for the future. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, with regard to improving communications and CCTV, $200,000 has been set aside for 2007.  The modernisation of communications and CCTV system will concentrate at the Naboro Complex, particularly, Maximum Security Prison.  As part of its reform programme, the Prison Service endeavours to progress the implementation of the Prisons and Corrections Act 2006, Organisational Review and 2003 Job Evaluation Exercise.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Prisons and Corrections Act, is still gathering support for its implementation, because it would require a substantial amount of resource to fully implement up to the acceptable standard.  The Prison Service recognises that owing to resource limitation, it cannot fully implement the Act in a short period of time.  With the support of the Ministry of Justice and key Government stakeholders, the Prisons Service is in the process of identifying key strategies to bolster the implementation process.  Fundamental to the extension of the implementation, will be the finalisation of the Prisons Regulations and Commissioners Orders, which is under consideration in consultation with the Fiji Law Reform Commission.  It might also be appropriate to mention that part of the process require administrative changes, especially those provisions which fall within the powers of the honourable and learned Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to enforce without requiring financial resource.  The effective pursuance of those provisions will enhance the process of implementation, which we anticipate to enforce as from mid next year, depending on the speed of our preparation.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the intended focus in the new Act, revolves on the shift from a regime obsessed with safety and security to one which emphasises training and rehabilitation.  In this regard, I also wish to acknowledge the effort injected by the Australia-Fiji Law and Justice Sector Programme to improve the services that the Prisons Service offers to its customers.  Within the Agreement, the partnership between Fiji and Australia will eventually see the introduction of modern rehabilitation programmes that embraces the best prison management practices seen widely in the international front, being adopted in Fiji prisons. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, another development which was completed in 2003, has to do with the organisational review, completed by Professor David Biles and the Australian Correctional Management.  An analysis of recommendations of the Organisational Review had been completed and awaiting Cabinet endorsement.  Prudent in the analysis, was the need to identify the recommendations which have resource implications, policies that are already on-going and those which the Prisons Service could implement without incurring extra costs to Government.

            To improve staff conditions of service, the implementation of the 2003 Job Evaluation Exercise needs to be pursued, especially those recommendations which have been implemented for the Police and the Military.  While the Military and the Police have received substantial improvements on their pay structure, the Prisons Service is very much behind in this regard.  Therefore, with the assistance of the Public Service Commission (PSC), it is our endeavour to press on the need to elevate the level of remuneration that is currently accorded to the two-sister organisations of the Service, in the context of Disciplined Forces.  Aside from pay, important elements in-built into the salary, include housing allowances and extra duty allowances at all levels within the rank and files of the Service will be the subject of further discussions with the PSC.

            In conclusion, the budgetary provisions reflected for the Prisons Service in 2007, will assist in the realisation of the goals stated under the Prison Service Annual Plan.  Although, it is expected that there would be slight variations in the way these goals are achieved, we are optimistic that our statutory functions dictated under the law to implement, will be addressed in proportion to the level of resource given by Government.  The Prisons Service remains committed to its current focus in order to turn around the present regime to one that is robust, responsive and forward looking in the future.

            Budget Allocation - Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP):  The Director of Public Prosecutions is responsible for the prosecution of all criminal trials and appeals in all courts.  The power to commence, takeover and discontinue them is firmly established in the Constitution under Section 114.  In January 2006, the ODPP was able to consolidate its administration and control of the national prosecution by the establishment of the National Prosecution Service.  The immediate outcome was the merging of ODPP, Police Prosecution Department and the transfer of 90 police officers to the ODPP.  As a result, the staff establishment increased from 53 to 143.  The DPP took over the administration of 11 prosecution stations located around the country.

            The above information is crucial in assessing the ODPP's capacity to sustain itself within its 2007 Budget.  The ODPP has been allocated a budget of $4,004,281.  Out of this, $2,043,150 has been allocated for personal emolument in 2007.  This represents a reduction of emolument required to sustain the same level of staff establishment that existed in 2006.  It will affect the employment of 36 officers including the Deputy DPP, a critical position that has been pursued by the DPP since the post became vacant in May 2005.

            The shortfall has been estimated at about $770,344.  Without this amount, the ODPP would be unable to recruit the 36 officers in 2007.  It would impact seriously on the capacity of the office, to carry out its constitutional functions, and deliver a prosecution service that is acceptable to the public.  In this respect, the ODPP will press on for the assistance of the Public Service Commission.

            The ODPP is constrained in the manner it can respond.  The only logical option is to reduce the level of its services.  It would mean prioritising cases, which it receives from the Police and other agencies.  No doubt, this will not facilitate the proper administration of the criminal justice system.  The ODPP seeks only to restore its emolument allocation, to a level which existed in 2006.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the administration of 11 additional prosecution stations around the country, necessitates concurrent increases in the cost of administrating them.  The 2007 allocation do not reflect the added responsibility.  The ODPP seeks reasonable increases in telecommunication; vehicle fuel and oil; spare parts and maintenance; incidental; stationery and printing; power supply and water and sewerage to enable it to sustain the continued operation of these stations, namely Taveuni, Savusavu, Labasa, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka, Suva and Nausori.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, aside from the small increases to various items of his budget, the Director is thankful to Government for the provision of two new items, a sum of $42,667 to purchase two vehicles and $97,000 to implement the Cases Software.  With an aging fleet of four vehicles dispersed around the country, the addition of a further two, would go some way to alleviating the difficult transport problem that exists.  The software would vastly improve the ODPP's ability to manage and co-ordinate its cases across the country. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I note the 2007 budget allocated to the Ministry of Infrastructure, and would like to thank the honourable Minister and the Minister of State, for the past assistance rendered to my constituency at Nasinu.  With the same breath, I would like to thank them in advance for the urgent works required on the wooden bridge at Kubukawa Road at Laqere and the bridge at Veikoba.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I must hasten to add, that I cannot over emphasise the urgency of the need to end the on-going water and road problems at Nasinu.  I must record my appreciation to the Ministers concerned on the work done so far, and still to be done on the housing and social needs of the people in my constituency, the urgent works needed at the Makoi market as well as the needs of the schools, to name a few.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the 2007 Budget is compatible with the vision that Fiji's future will be better than the present. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, democracy works where people have the culture of accommodation and tolerance, and to allow the majority's right, to have their own way, until the next elections.

            Once again, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I strongly support the 2007 Budget.

            HON. R. NAND.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, please allow me to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning for putting together this Budget, given the prevailing constraints and competing interest on Government's scarce resources.

            The theme of the 2007 Budget "Partnership for Sustained Growth" demands the working together of all stakeholders in this very trying journey towards sustained growth to make Fiji a peaceful and prosperous country.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to start first with the positive aspects of the Budget that affects my Ministry in the areas of productivity and job creation, before touching on the very challenging issue of VAT increase and those issues affecting my constituency in Tailevu and Rewa.

            Mr. Speaker, let me touch on the Employment Relations Bill because this is an important tool as far as employment creation is concerned.  In this respect, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to congratulate Government and the social partners, trade unions, employers, key agencies and civil society organisations, and in particular, the honourable Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations for ongoing commitment to implement the long ongoing labour reform under the Employment Relations Bill, 2006.  Sir, the Bill has been approved with some amendments by Cabinet in its last sitting.  I understand it will be tabled in this House at the end of this meeting and anticipated to be enacted next year, with $1 million provided for in this Budget. 

            Sir, this is a landmark achievement in good faith social dialogue, which will benefit all workers and their families and everyone in our nation.  The new Bill will not only remove all kinds of discrimination in the work place and provide social justice for all workers, but also provide progressive business environment that promotes good faith employment relations, and enhance productivity.  The combined efforts of various measures under the Bill will significantly improve the terms and conditions, and increase the take home pay of workers, who are not protected by unions.

            As a result of the key role that mediation will play under this Bill, the Employment Relations legislation, mediation whether on labour or commercial matters will be increasingly adopted throughout the various sectors of our society, to not only heal broken relationships but also to improve national productivity in solving cases quickly and increasing capitals that are frozen through long expensive legal court cases.  Therefore, mediation is a win-win strategy that also promotes peaceful relationships between contending parties.  This strategy was very successfully utilised by countries in the Asian region during the financial crisis a few years ago to help rebuild their economies and business relationships. 

            My Ministry has started to promote mediation as an effective strategy to promote peace and productivity throughout our enterprises industries and the nation as a whole.  On this note, my CEO with the Singapore Mediation Centre experts had fruitful meetings last week with certain key Government and private sector agencies to promote the adoption of mediation, to quickly resolve disputes and to free-up capitals associated with conflicts.  We will follow up these promotional efforts with the Leaders Conference next year, with the Singapore experts who will share with our leaders their experiences in mediation as a productivity improvement and peace building strategy.

            This new mediation strategy, as promoted by my Ministry, will be committed under the Stakeholders Action Plan, to implement our National Productivity Charter 2005.  Potential sectors that mediation strategy can be used to improve productivity include:

            (a)       Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) for recovering unpaid taxes through mediated solutions and increasing Government revenue.

            (b)       Court system for referring cases to exhaust the mediation process first as the primary process, before cases are referred to the courts.  This will help clear backlogs in our courts.

            (c)       Commercial disputes for referring all commercial disputes, banking disputes, contract disputes, et cetera, to mediation first before using the courts.

            (d)       Land disputes for referring all land dispute cases to mediation before referral to tribunals or the courts.

            (e)       International trade disputes for utilising mediation first to amicably resolve these disputes, instead trade wars between companies and countries.

            VAT Increase:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, against the positive outcomes of productivity under the Employment Relations Bill, the VAT increase is already having negative comments from all sections of the communities.  They are saying that the VAT increase to 15 per cent will drive them into further poverty.  All commodities will require more money, particularly in rural areas, squatter settlements and in our small islands.

            Sir, the test of a good government is how it looks after the poor and the weak in the society.  The Government should be mindful of the needs of the poor in our society, and urgently put in place measures to cushion the adverse effects of VAT.  The top priority of these measures is that, land should be made available to the landless, so that they could counter VAT increases through food production.

            Agricultural Sector:  This sector has the capacity to tackle unemployment and fight poverty.  On this issue, I plead with our leaders to get to the table and open up discussions to resolve the impasse, and find quick and quality solutions.  If it is not done quickly, Mr. Speaker, the country will face huge social and economic problems, as we are already experiencing now and more so, in the future.

            Law and Order:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the festive season is around the corner and law enforcement agencies should become more vigilant in their operations.  During the last weekend, my constituency experienced several robberies with violence.  The robbers are targetting the business community, for example, in Koronivia, Mahend Shop was broken into and robbed of items valued at $2,500.  Sir, they gained access by cutting the roof.

            Sir, in Vuci Road, Mr. Bimal Prakash was terrorised by the looters.  They broke down the doors, beat his wife and made out with $10,000 worth of jewelleries and $2,000 in cash.

            Sir, on Vunivivi Hill, a prominent businessman (Mr. Singh) was also terrorised.  Robbers got away with jewelleries, cash and his car. The car was later found in Waila.

            Sir, in Lakena, Rodan Driving School was attacked and in Sawani, Jamna Prasad and Sons was also attacked.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, all these attacks are sending unsafety signals to our people, and once again, I plead with the law and order agencies to be more vigilant and provide security to our people.

            The same also applies in Lakena, which is prone to theft.  Here, thieves target animals - ploughing bulls, goats, chicken and vegetable produce.  In this respect, I am thankful to the honourable Leader of Opposition for providing funds to enable security guards to patrol at night.

            Job Creation:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, job creation is one of the key challenges faced by our nation.  We all face this challenge - students, parents, teachers, family, workers, union, employers, educational institutions, religious organisations, settlements, villages and every corner of our nation face.  We are experiencing this pressure for employment opportunities, as we approach the end of the year.

            Job creation is the cornerstone of every discussion, meeting or project being undertaken or in the planning board in my Ministry.  The challenge on job creation is enormous and my Ministry is committed to make a difference by working in partnership with key stakeholders, to create as many jobs and small businesses as possible for our youth and the unemployed.  Together, we must take the challenge head on, Sir.

            We are taking a scientific approach to address this challenge.  We are reaching out to our people and learn from them.  We are getting facts and details about their situation, including their employment background.  We are converting these facts into valuable information and turn them into opportunities.  We are informing them and will train them.  We will help them with the right skills and guide them to make employment decisions.  We are and will document these findings and communicate these to our people and nation in reviewing our progress and setting new targets, Sir.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have identified a couple of business opportunities that will model as business incubators where our clients will be exposed to learn and improve their business competencies.  Also, we have our major players such as the employers, workers, unions, local governments, tertiary institutions, teachers, community leaders, landowners, settlements and villages to help us in this endeavour.

            We also acknowledge the fact that we want to create employment opportunities for every citizen with fairness and equality, irrespective of religious, cultural, gender or other identity.  Our common goal is to provide employment opportunities to everyone as their right.  The national consequences of negligence are just enormous and we cannot afford to relent.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am talking here about the plight of all our people.  We have displaced farmers, the unemployed, landless, the disabled, our many ethnicities and not forgetting our indigenous Fijians.  Yes, we have so many divisions, but we have a common identity rather than kai Viti, kai Rotuma, kai Idia, kai Loma, kai Rabi, kai Valagi, and many more.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, to bring my point home, I wish to share this story by Dr. Wadan Narsey, during the closing session of the recent National Economic Summit.  According to Dr. Narsey, he had a Fijian friend from Rewa, who informed him that he had just received 10 acres of leasehold land in Nadi, Sir.  Dr. Narsey questioned his friend; "how come you got this lease in Nadi, why not go to Rewa?"  His friend replied; "Oh no, no, I cannot get a lease from my own area". 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is one of the so many hardworking Fijians' untold plight, who is wanting to develop his or her land but just cannot, due to unnecessary restrictions created by our land legislation.  Now, we have another dimension about accessibility, even within the Fijian landowners.  This is probably the main reason why majority of expired land leases have been overgrown with bushes.

            Sir, I have had the opportunity to visit employment projects as well as identify other potentials in both, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.  While I am happy to see the difference that these projects are doing to recipients and their communities, I was disheartened and it touches my heart and soul to see the many land that are available and yet, as a nation, we are now importing agricultural produce to the tune of $300 million per annum.

            While I was in Batiri, Macuata and even in Nasoso, Bua, I saw how healthy and strong the sheep thrive.  Just by their looks, I am sure our sheep are more tasty and healthier than the current fatty imports from New Zealand and Australia.

            National Economic Summit:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the recent National Economic Summit to review Government's Strategic Development Plan 2007 to 2011, reaffirms job creation as one of the priority areas of the Government over the planned period.  In particular, Government plans to achieve a five per cent annual economic growth by 2009.  Moreover, our target is to increase investment level to approximately around 25 per cent of GDP over the planned period.  The Government targets to increase jobs and employment opportunities for all our people, and also to establish 500 small and medium enterprises, annually.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I fully believe that we, as a nation, can achieve and even surpass these targets.  We have the resources.  Moreover, we have the support and hope under the new multi-party arrangement.  This appreciation was widely acknowledged and appreciated during the recent National Economic Summit.  The high participants' turnout during the whole two days session is a good signal of our nationwide support to the Multi-Party Government.

            Job Creation in Rural Areas: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am sure all of us in this august House, have a very good and deep rooted connection in the rural areas.  For those of us who started from the rural areas, you will notice the widening gap between the urban and rural areas.  Most rural areas are deprived of opportunities available in urban areas.  This is one major pull or push factor towards the urban areas.

            We are already feeling this pressure in towns due to escalating rise in urban population since more and more people are concentrated in towns.  This gives rise to an increasing demand and pressure on basic services, such as water, housing, transportation, employment, food, and other necessities.  These essential services have to be stretched out at the expense of low quality and high costs to everyone.  Two areas that come to mind are the increasing potholes or lovo holes in our roads and the constant water cuts. 

            Therefore, we need to be serious with the consequences of urbanisation.  Let us look at ways and means to slowdown and even reverse this worrying trend. I fully believe that we can achieve this by providing opportunities in the rural areas.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is one of the main reasons why I will put a lot of emphasis in creating employment opportunities in the rural areas.  I note the big challenge ahead, but it is better to try, rather than to turn a blind eye.  I know that employment creation is not my worry alone.  Our nation requires an integrated approach to provide these opportunities.  The cost of working in isolation is too much and we cannot afford.  We need to consolidate our resources and know-how.  We need to move towards a common direction.  We need to create a synergy, and I ask all Ministries and Departments, and all stakeholders to work very closely together to create more jobs for our people.

            Resolution to Agricultural Leases: Mr. Speaker, Sir, where there is no job creation, I just cannot move ahead without thinking and talking about the land.  I have talked at length on this and again, I wish to re-emphasise the urgent need to resolve the land issue.  We need a win-win approach in resolving the agricultural land leases.

            Improving National Productivity:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am also responsible for raising productivity.

            In any wealth creation, either individually or as a nation, we must have the factors of production.  These are land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship that must be combined, to enable production of goods and services. This is basic economics as taught at Form 3 level.  These basics also apply when we talk on national wealth creation, raising production, income, investment, jobs, savings, exports, et cetera.  Sir, the main challenge we face is the utilisation of these factors of production. In our particular case, the challenge on land utilisation is even greater, because we have to deal with other associated issues such as accessibility and equity.

            We need land to create jobs.  We are an agricultural-based economy, with majority of our population relying on land for sustenance.

            Sir, we, as a nation, should reflect upon and even reform those land laws and regulations, to ensure that they are relevant and conducive to our present and future developments.  I believe that some of these legislation were designed for the colonial era and have long outlived their usefulness.  We just celebrated our 36 years of Independence.  I note that this is a critical issue but I will continue to dwell on this because land is an important factor in employment creation and raising national productivity.

            Likewise, my Ministry will contribute in the development of our human resource for their effective utilisation, through a number of targeted employment programmes that I will dwell upon later.  We will continue to explore avenues, to develop the competencies and capabilities of our workforce.  We will continue to invest in human capital.  Appropriate training opportunities, both locally and abroad, which include, among others, the Asian Productivity Organisation Training will be utilised for our people.

            My Ministry will facilitate capital accessibility for our people.  This will be closely tied with developing the entrepreneurial competencies of our people.  Both the provision and referral services will be provided to people who wish to venture into entrepreneurship.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, reforms are necessary at this stage, to ensure the provision of these important factors of production for our people.  We need to continually reform and change our way of doing business.  We have to adopt proven management practices that will provide the spirit for creativity, innovation and an enterprise development for our people.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, my Ministry, through the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) works in collaboration with the Public Service Commission in promoting the Service Excellence Award framework.  This Service Excellence Framework is an off-shot on the Fiji Business Excellence Award framework, to encourage productivity in the Public Service.

            I am glad to state that all Ministries managed to submit their application for the Service Excellence Award, being the first year for implementation in the Civil Service.  While not every Ministry may receive the prize, to me, the most important message is that, all Government Ministries have shown interest and commitment towards the Service Excellence and Productivity improvement journey.  This is great for our nation.

            At this stage, TPAF is working in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organisation, to develop productivity measures, tools that we can utilise to measure productivity by factors of production and by industry, and even go further into productivity by firms and nationally.

            Sir, TPAF continues to administer the Fiji Business Excellence Award that caters for productivity improvement and better service delivery in the private sector.  Moreover, TPAF also administers the Government's Apprenticeship Scheme, which is progressing satisfactorily.  To-date, we have some 515 under the scheme in various occupations.  In 2007, Government will be investing an additional $446,400 under this Apprenticeship Scheme.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, as part of specific assistance towards the construction industry, Government also contributed $1 million towards the upskilling of construction workers due to the huge demand.  To-date, some 1,000 individuals have been trained under the scheme.  Some 250 individuals have undergone specialised skills in the construction under the scheme.  Moreover, Government is allocating an additional $616,607 towards the construction of industry training through TPAF in 2007.

            In July this year, we, as a nation, with our Tripartite Forum partners, adopted the Fiji Productivity Charter - 2005.  This is a milestone achievement towards our national productivity journey. 

            The key targets for the Charter are:

            (a)            raise national competitiveness;

            (b)            eradicate poverty;

            (c)            create economic activities;

            (d)            advance the promotion of sustainable development; and

            (e)            make Fiji the premier place to live and work.

            Sir, TPAF is in the process of co-ordinating the development of a National Plan of Action, to implement the Charter and ensure productivity as a core component of all our development initiatives.

            We, as a nation, must aspire with enthusiasm and diligence to improve our productivity.  We have to strive towards improving our ways of doing business that are customer-driven and deliver quality and competitive services to our people.  We need to improve our standards and management practices that are comparable with proven best practices.

            National Services Scheme (NSS): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the Government, the honourable Prime Minister and the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning for this initiative.  Again, I wish to acknowledge the Government's firm commitment towards job creation in our nation.  I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the endorsement to introduce for the first time in our nation the NSS next year, with a start-up allocation of $600,000.                        

            The NSS is an employment promotion strategy to create employment opportunities, incomes and productivity for our people.  The NSS focuses on human resources development, including environmental awareness and integral training component and an effective utilisation into paid employment on self-employment and entrepreneurship.  The scheme targets the working age population of 15 to 55, both males and females who have a strong desire to work, especially when it will target the 9,000 individuals that have to find employment opportunities in the formal sector and rural economy annually.  The scheme will put particular emphasis towards the unemployed, the school leavers as well as those who wish to change career, including the rural dwellers, with the intention to develop their potential to utilise available local resources.  The scheme targets the development of the annual school leavers and other workers to improve their employability and competency skills.  Strong training emphasis will be towards understanding and conservation of our pristine environment, as our main marketing edge.  The NSS will facilitate the transition to formal employment.  It will also administer the provision of start-up capital to those who have to join the informal sector and rural economy.  Moreover, a component of NSS will be overseas employment opportunities.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, in this context, I wish to acknowledge the achievement of the Pacific Islands Leaders' Conference recently held in Nadi, that resulted in New Zealand agreeing to establish a seasonal work scheme which will allow Pacific workers to access New Zealand for horticulture and verticulture jobs.  The NSS will complement other Government statutories for employment creation and productivity, in particular it will work closely with the integrated Human Resource Development Programme for employment promotion and a national centre for small and micro-enterprise development.  Sir, NSS will be co-ordinated from the Ministry of Employment, Opportunities and Productivity, unemployed and school leavers can register with our office in the districts.  Basic socio-economic data about the client will be collected, including of occupational interest and whether one intends to work in the urban or rural area and overseas.  The NSS will utilise the infrastructure establishment through the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, all district labour officers will be trained to register and counsel clients, as they visit divisional offices.  Targeted training modules for live skills and employable skills will be established to suit demand.  The right trainers will be identified and engaged in conducting training.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, before I conclude, I wish to take this opportunity to address my constituency in Tailevu/Rewa.  Firstly, I wish to convey my sincere gratitude and appreciation for their faith in selecting me, as their representative in the Multi-Party Government.  It is a privilege and honour for me to be their representative in this august House.

            Sir, I wish to commend the Government and the European Union (EU) in the joint partnership to complete building the much awaited Rewa Bridge and the Nausori Back Road.  The bridge is the pride of my constituency and the new road has opened up many businesses in Nausori which has brought about a lot of employment, like the supermarket, furniture shop - all these have given hope to our people. 

            I hope the plans of the Ministry of Agriculture will continue with reviving Lakena.  This area was once a thriving rice area.  Rice growing was initially a successful project of the Government and was always seen to have been proceeded by the fallen sugarcane industry in the Colonial era.  Unfortunately, this major rice product did not leave up to the expectation and also faced the same demise as that of the sugar industry, because the SVT Government allowed cheaper rice from other parts of the world.  I urge the honourable Minister for Agriculture to move hastily, with the revitalisation programme so that Lakena could become another salad bowl of Fiji. 

            Nausori Health Centre: Sir, the Nausori Health Centre is in no position to cater for the large number of people from the adjacent three provinces; Tailevu, Rewa and Naitasiri, in addition to the growth in business population associated with the opening of the new Rewa Bridge and the Nausori Back Road.  Sir, last year, the then Minister for Health stated in this House, that the Nausori Health Centre would be relocated.  The present position is too congested and cumbersome for the people.  The louder the traffic noises, which is too irritating for patients who come to the Centre for peace and healing, therefore, Sir, I am looking forward for the increased health budget, to relocate and modernise the Nausori Health Centre to adequately cater for the increased needs of the public and visiting tourists.

            Last but not the least, I come through very dusty roads and I hope the Government will look at that.

            In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm and as I said in the beginning, the Government has targets for raising economic growth, investment and productivity for our people over the five years.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity given to me in this august House, to respond to the 2007 Budget Address by the honourable Minister for Finance.  I wish everyone in our nation a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

            (Laughter)

            HON. GOVERNMENT MEMBERS.- Support the Budget!

            MR. SPEAKER.- Honourable Members, I will adjourn the House for morning tea.  The House is now adjourned.    

            The House adjourned at 11.00 a.m.                     

            The House resumed at 11.30 a.m.

            HON. I. LEWENIQILA.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the 2007 Appropriation Bill before the House, and in doing so, may I further congratulate the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning in continuing such bold strategies and putting into place measures aimed at developing a partnership for sustainable growth. 

            Mr. Speaker, I will not bore this House with the details of my Ministry, for I feel that this new Parliament has been kept informed through the three Bills that I have introduced into the House.  First, it was the Public Records Amendment Bill, followed by the Broadcasting Licensing Bill, and the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji Bill.  Further to this, there would be ample time, I am sure, for explanations and clarifications during the Committee Stage of these Bills.

            Sir, allow me to dwell a little on a very general nature concerning the Ministry, as this Budget so adequately apportions.  While the size of our budget increase has been small, compared to others, size as I often said, does not really matter in this case.  I am reminded of the saying, Sir, that "it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog that matters."

            In the past few decades, information and communication technology has transformed the world.  Its potential for reducing poverty and fostering growth in developing countries has increased rapidly.  Mobile telephones provide market links for farmers and entrepreneurs.  The internet delivers vital knowledge to schools and hospitals.  Computers improve public and private services, and increase productivity and participation.  By connecting people and places, ICT has played a vital role in national, regional and global developments, and holds enormous promise for the future.

            It has been over 20 years since the first telephone company was privatised, 10 years since the worldwide web emerged, and five since the telecommunications bubble burst.  How has ICT driven an evolved in response to this and other events?  What has been learnt about ICT trends and the policies that shape an information society, and how can further advances be fostered and facilitated?  These are questions that we ask ourselves, and the Ministry of Information and Communications have to grapple with. 

            Experience over the past decade has shown that a vibrant and competitive information and communications sector is a prerequisite for developing information societies.  Lessons can be drawn that may be particularly available for countries launching new policies and programmes to increase ICT's contribution to economic and social developments, and extend its reach to a greater part of the population. 

            Additional and complementary efforts are also needed to ensure the success of such programmes, particularly increased monitoring and evaluation, based on appropriate goals, targets and indicators.  When tailored to needs, ICT has the potential to raise growth in businesses of any size and countries at any stage of development, but even more important is ICT's role in reducing poverty and inequality, both within and across countries.  Thus, it is crucial that ICT move closer to the mainstream of development, economics and policies, nationally, regionally and globally. 

            In recent years, the world's policy makers have recognised that ICT provide key inputs for economic development, contributes to global integration and enhances public sector effectiveness, efficiently and transparency.  There is also growing consensus that countries seeking to strengthen the investment climax for foreign, as well as domestic investors should make it a priority to improve ICT access and quality.

            Moreover, countries conditions that bolts the ICT investment including sound economic policies, strong proprietary rights, liberalised markets, limited restrictions on entry and ownership, and predictable regulations contribute to a healthy overall business environment, and so to growth throughout the economy. 

            Capital is crucial to the development and expansion of robust telecommunications networks because developing countries often lack the capital, as well as the technology and the managerial know-how needed to develop such networks.  Many have turned to private investors, both domestic and foreign. 

            Sir, by opening the telecommunications markets through the well-designed reforms, Government can create competitive markets that grow faster, lowers cost, facilitate innovation and respond better to user needs.  As a result, the traditional monopoly model of telecommunications services based on extensive State control and protected national markets has eroded in contrast with the rapid technological advances in the sector and fundamental changes in economic policy in developing countries. 

            Over the past two decades, telecommunications markets have undergone unprecedented liberalisation in every region, though the pace and scale of reform have varied and markets for fixed local and international telephone services remain closed or barely opened in about half of developing countries like Fiji.  Effective competition between multiple providers helps expand access and results in cheaper and more modern services.  Obstacles to well-functioning markets often remain, even after extensive sector reforms. 

            In Peru, all segments of the telecommunications market have been opened since 1995, but telephone services in provincial towns and marginal areas of big cities remain well below the levels achieved in other developing countries with comparably opened markets.  The challenge everywhere is to enable operators to tailor their service offerings and technical treasures as effectively and efficiently as possible.  The regulatory improvements needed to achieve that goal often, includes:

            (a)        opening markets to new entrants including small domestic entrepreneurs,

            (b)        trade balancing;

            (c)        retail tariffs;

            (d)        establishing an effective cost based interconnection regime;

            (e)        Securing reasonable access to existing infrastructure; and

            (f)         making radio spectrum available to a wider range of services provided.

            Consistent and transparent process for regulatory legal and administrative procedures and institutions are the main requirements.  Some traditional regulatory provisions may stand in the way of new technologies, decentralising and other innovations.  In addition, high taxation can discourage investments by telecommunications operators and suppressed demand from users.  As the cost of manufacturing telephones continue to fall, Government taxes and duty on their import, sale and use remain a binding constraint on extending information and communications services to the poor people. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Budget provides the framework of sustained economic growth.  It focuses on a partnership that involves cooperation amongst our people, ingenuity in our workforce and astute business management and planning long-term solutions and economic success. 

            I was, however, saddened to read in the papers, comments by the honourable Leader of the Opposition that this Budget is a lazy Budget.  Why has Government not used the 36 CEOs, which he said is costing the taxpayers $6 million annually?  I am not privy to the full text of his speech, Sir, but based on the newspaper reports, the honourable leader of the Opposition or rather the part-time Leader of the Opposition, as he claims to be, even though he seems to be sumptuously tucking into the frills and perks of the position, is merely being absurd.  His comments, if it is not tediously thought through must be refreshingly concocted. 

            Sir, he blatantly chooses to ignore and refuses to understand, through spite or malice, procedures and processes of Government budgeting and more importantly, Sir, the immensity, the complexity and at times, sensitivity of such.  The long hours, the balancing act, the competing priority and the unreasonable demand on top of the committed statements and policies based on proven economic policies.  This, once and again, has to be tampered with heartful social responsibilities, that some in this august House, like the part-time Leader would love to make a big song and dance about, but shy drastically away from, when it comes to turning words into work.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, they are so elegant in probing and proposing developments, like:

            (a)        will the airstrip in Rotuma be upgraded?

            (b)        when does Government plan to build a jetty in Rabi?

            (c)        when will the scholarships for minorities be increase? 

            (d)      the Wailea and Nanuku settlements are in a deplorable state, what is Government doing about it? 

            (e)        when will the road to Tamavua-i-Wai be constructed?

Also, complaints on potholes I have heard in this House, being compared to a lovo.  Hospitals are ill-equipped and Health Centres are understaffed.  Schools do not have the full complement of teachers. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I can go on for days regurgitating pressures and demand, fuelled from the other side of the House, yet and shamelessly, when it comes to walking the talk, some flip 180 per cent using the iguana or vokai disfiguration technique and resort to political grandstanding. 

            The recent National Economic Summit with representatives from all sectors of the community is a good example of Partnership for Sustained Economic Growth.  The draft National Strategic Development Plan was a major outcome of our new Multi-Party Government, which is a truly representative of all our communities.  It contains the common vision for the building of Fiji and the plan, when endorsed by Parliament will give Government the policy, guidance and benchmark to apply for, taking Fiji through to 2011.  The aim now is to make growth consistent, into rapidly reaching a target of 5 per cent of GDP or more.  This is what will produce jobs and the income that are central to what we are out to achieve.  This year's growth is projected at 3.1 per cent and improvement from the previous estimate of 2.7 per cent.  It is Government's aim, to reduce the high deficits that were incurred to stimulate growth after the year 2000.  It is expected that deficit will not significantly exceed two per cent of GDP in a year of the planned period.  Meanwhile inflation, is low and under control. Employment figures are expanding steadily, but we are not yet in a position where all school leavers can find wage paying work. 

            Measures have been introduced to dampen consumer demand and as has been highlighted, Sir, this demand is producing an increase in import.  Meanwhile, exports have been dropping, placing our reserves under some pressure.  It is therefore, imperative that we lift the value of our export earnings. 

            The economic summit had initially identified 13 economic sectors with the potential to producing new foreign exchange, to form the business for sustained growth.  This includes marine products, sugarcane and sugar, forestry, agro business, the audiovisual industry, information technology and financial services.

            Sir, Fiji's industry must compete with the world's most efficient exporters.  However, we have a long way to go, before we attain standards of productivity that will properly equip us for the international markets.  Our drive for efficiency, however, will be accelerated with the recent adoption of Fiji's first productivity charter supported by Government, unions and the employers.  The charter sees productivity as a business of the entire nation, and it is founded on the principle of mutual trust, respect and oneness.  Good faith is the catchword here, Sir.

            Public sector reform is integral to the charter's objectives. Its goal is to deliver services to the public in the most cost effective way, and to direct the machinery of Government towards a friendly climate of local and overseas investments. 

            Sir, reforms are taking place in the public and private sectors. These are forward looking strategies that appear towards the part of economic progress.  This delivery of reforms in all sectors of the economy will lift the ailing industries through effective management strategies, and help cushion the effects of external influences on our economic environment.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, Government is mindful of the hardship that can be imposed on sections of our community and has exempted VAT on essential food items like edible oil, tinned fish, rice, flour, sharp, tea, powdered milk and kerosene, for domestic use.  We must also applaud the new income tax threshold that has been raised from $8,000 to $10,000, which represents a savings for some 26,000 taxpayers.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, public security and justice is important to the maintenance of law and order in our society.  This service comes at a cost.  The efficiency in which they are delivered is an important indicator of our social infrastructure, quality of life and private sector expectation, and is designed to boost economic growth.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, Government is firmly committed to eradicating poverty from society and has adopted strategies to raise living standards.  Providing access to education and to every child in this country is an effort by Government to break the poverty cycle.  People need to work hard to produce more for domestic market.

            There are many opportunities out there that need to be fully exploited.  For instance, demand for local honey far outweighs the production capacity of our bee-keepers.  More funds have also been provided to rural housing, rural water supply, rural electrification programme, self-help schemes and village improvement schemes.  Shipping franchise provide access to outer islands plans to facilitate trade of produce for rural areas including outer islands, rural fisheries development and upgrading of rural and farming roads.  These are just some of the measures, Sir, that Government has put in place in a genuine and positive move, to improve standards of living in the rural and outlying areas.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Government has continued to provide equal opportunities to all disadvantaged groups, recognising the potential for small businesses in rural areas through self employment, particularly, the women and youth, is another priority. 

            Sir, Government is continuing to promote the development of small and micro-enterprises and income tax exemptions have been granted to agriculture and fishing ventures.  All these assistance have been designed to encourage our people to be actively involved in economic developments.  While there have been certain criticisms on the increase of VAT, what is conveniently ignored, is that, through it, Government is able to provide the public services that will benefit everyone.  When VAT was first put into place, Government also raised the rate of child allowance in which parents can claim rebate on the tax they pay.  To further counter balance the cost to the poor to pay VAT, Government also removed outpatients, public ward charges in hospitals and health centres while extending this assistance to education - payment of tuition fees and the salaries of teachers.  One should look at the whole range of assistance that Government is providing through various avenues rather than the narrow tunnel vision of just looking at food prices and VAT in isolation.

            Sir, if I may, with your indulgence make some general observations and comparisons in this regard.   Valued Added Tax or "BAT" as some farmers in Wainikoro may call it, is now the most appropriate scapegoat to be used by the honourable leader of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) and Member for Ba Open (M.P. Chaudhry).  It is a convenient alibi for the honourable Member, a perfect decoy, a master of deception and the ultimate springboard, as he sees it, to launch his ill-conceived and cunningly planned attack. Fortunately, however, most, if not all of us, in this House had contemplated this all along.  It is very easy to track the honourable Member now as his footprints are seen on the sand, floor, ceiling or wherever he might walk, is conspicuously outstanding.  It is not normal like that of human, so I would not blame you, Sir, if you thought that Godzilla or Katrina has just passed by.  Almost unbelievable, especially when you see that small frame almost disappearing behind the barbaric make of the honourable Leader of the Opposition. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, VAT is a consumption tax and we all know that.  Governments all over the world prefer it because it is equitable, fair and efficient.  It is a determined and confirmed revenue source of any government.  The Soqosoqo Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) Government, introduced it during their time and the People's Coalition led Government zero rated VAT on some basic consumer goods.  Whilst they received applause for this, it was short-lived, the People's Coalition Government was inundated with demands and pressures to ease the plight of the poor.  There was an escalation of poverty-riddled situations. 

            Sir, $28,000 had to be siphoned from the taxpayers to pay the National Farmers Union (NFU) members.  Interest rates on housing had to be slashed without economic and social justification.  The Provincial Councils were forced to live without their $100,000 grant which was already petty, anyway.  The little that they had was not affordable anymore by the Labour Government.  When you talk about priorities and affirmative action, the action by the honourable Member for Ba Open, stinks.  Fortunately, when the leadership of this country was put right in 2001, VAT was reimposed.  Sir, "mind you", this was the most difficult of times.  They say that the economy was in shambles then - redundancies, lay-offs, wage cuts, time offs were the order of the day and even civil servants had their salaries halted.  The self-centred and self-serving stunt adopted by the unions then with their overseas counterparts, inflicted irreparable damage which our economy still feels to-date.  Was there any hue and cry for the imposition of VAT then?  Furthermore, in 2003, VAT was increased to 2.5 per cent.  With the expected rumbling and gossips here and there as a result of this sensational political entertainment by the honourable Member for Ba Open, things normalised.

            Last year with spiralling oil prices, Government again zero rated VAT from the basic food items because things were just beyond control.  What was the reaction then from the honourable Member for Ba Open and his faithfulls?  From the Uncorrected Copy of the Hansard of 17th November 2005, I had this to say and quote:

                        "Sir, I recall when the honourable Minister for Finance announced the removal of VAT from essential food items, there were movements and noises from the Opposition side.  Cat calls were apparently audible much to the amusement of the distinguished guests in the gallery.  I could easily compare these actions to the primary school kids at the Milo Kaji Game and very similar to the chuckles of a mother hen and her chicks at the presence of a mongoose."

            The leader of the pack, the honourable Member for Ba Open (M.P. Chaudhry), in his contribution, amplified that this was the Fiji Labour Party policy, as if Government wanted to claim to the contrary. 

            HON. G. S. RAJ.- Vinaka, vosa vakatotolo tiko!

            HON. I. LEWENIQILA.- Sir, if one takes time to look through the Hansards during the Budget debate last year, there was never a simple "thank you" from the honourable Members of the FLP nor was there even slightest semblance of gratitude.

            HON. G.S. RAJ.- Attitude, attitude problem.

            HON. I. LEWENIQILA.- So, I ask; Do they really care? Sir, look at what we have today.  An interesting scenario where they are rudely awakened, as if the 2.5 per cent increase is a noose in the neck. 

            HON. G.S. RAJ.- Attitude problem!

            HON. I. LEWENIQILA.- They make believe it to be a life threatening proposition, worth of putting everything on the line, even the delicate and fragile multi-party concept of Government enshrined under our Constitution. 

            Earlier this morning, the honourable Member for Lautoka City Open (D.U. Manufolau), questioned the sincerity of the honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Reforms to the Multi-Party Cabinet.  If the honourable Member is in his right frame of mind, it would have been more appropriate for the honourable Member to direct that question to his leader.  The honourable Member alleged that some honourable Members of the FLP in Cabinet still operate in isolation without Chief Executive Officers.  This is far from the truth.  The honourable Ministers themselves are aware of the existing arrangements and understand the efforts being made by the honourable Prime Minister.  However, in hindsight if this was an accidental oversight, then probably intuition is at play, since some of them have shown open defiance to the Cabinet rules and protocols. 

            Sir, I was able to read through the contribution by the old man in Mataniwai, Labasa in the Hansard.  I am proud of my own-self for once, for the fact that I had been correct all along during my years in this august House on the "being" and "the make" of the honourable Member of Nasinu Communal (K.Datt).  The honourable Member is indeed a man of substance and I pray that the old continue to glitter and penetrate the darkness that continue to encompass and blind his leader.  The honourable leader of the FLP and those in his bandwagon, bask in the sensitivity, vulnerability, culpability and ignorance of the mass.  They love the use of the words "poor, poorer, disadvantaged, struggled and hardships". I would say that they cannot really appreciate its real meaning.   I am sure, those who are obsessed with the use of such words, and perpetuate state of affairs, have had no experience or understanding of what it really means, let alone how it really feels.

            Sir, most on this side of the House, with the honourable Prime Minister as a classical example, live through by comparable modern day standards under extreme poverty.  How we survived and progressed through this phenomena, only we can explain.  Sometimes, Sir, I shudder at the insensitivity and carelessness of some when making references to the poor, poorest, rural dwellers, farmers and the labourers.  They insinuate that they are the downtrodden, helpless and there seem to be a never ending hardship as if they were not humans having no hands and legs with no hearts and brains.

            Worse still, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the condescending, high-handed and crocodile tears sympathy by these so-called advocates seem to effectively propagate the destruction of personal confidence, self-esteem, ambition and dreams. 

            Sir, I put it that the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and his likes, must and surely be guilty of a crime unforgivable in any court in the world.  Fortunately for them, Sir, they are punishable only by God and I only wish He did not have that much mercy. 

            The Prime Minister, honourable Laisenia Qarase, like many on this side of the House, were born and raised under extreme harsh conditions, thatched houses, drinking from streams, surviving on root crops and greens from the garden.  Communication and transportation were non-existent.  Kerosene was the only luxury to keep the lantern on in the evening, if the moon refused illuminate and enveloped the village.  The school was about 10 or 20 kilometres away and one had to be billeted with relatives in the village closes to it.  In an average household then, there would be at least 10 mouths to feed.  Copra, which was the only source of income then, with its low price was picked up and paid for, if one was lucky, twice or three times a year by traders.  This was the only opportunity of stocking up on basic groceries and needs.  The doctors and nurses were unheard of.  The annual visit by the medical team was the only opportunity for general all purpose check-up.

            As a primary school student, we also had chores like collecting firewood, picking up and husking coconuts, picking up breadfruit leaves and the never ending errands from one household to another to kerekere tea, sugar or whatever.  While there was very little around, everyone had something to do, working casually around in almost leisurely fashion.  There were hardly any complaints.  There was an air of contentment and selflessness.  There was a lot of care and concern.  Responsibilities then, which we today see as problems, were shared.  It was everybody's business.  No one was allowed to be alone.  Progress or development, as we call it nowadays was slow, but steady and surely.  It was wholesome.  No one was rich and neither was anyone poor, but everyone from the youngest to the oldest worked tirelessly and faithfully.  As aptly put by the honourable Member for Tailevu South Fijian Communal (I.U. Matairavula) to his brother, the honourable Leader of the Opposition, this Budget is not a lazy Budget rather it is not a Budget for lazy people. 

            Government, the private sector, development partners, civil societies, communities and individuals must all work hard hand in hand to grow the economy.  Like a high tide that floats all tits and bits on the shoreline, it is only economic growth that will put all in a better stand.  So rather than handpicking and isolating particular issues like VAT, the poor and the poorest, we must encapsulate the bigger picture.  We must shift focus to a wholesome attitude.  We must face the challenges together.  We must share and be equally responsible, like the migratory swan that flock and fly together in the summer, the power, force and strength of our propulsion will move us forward together; the weak, the tired and even the weary.'

            Mr. Speaker, one of the strategies that will give impetus to economic growth is the development of the telecommunication sector.  The ICT industry is the set to become the economic driver that will steer the country forward.  It has a very rare potential to attract millions of dollars in investments, generate export services to the region and beyond, and generate the much-needed employment in the country.  It is an economic giant steering in its slumber, awaiting the dawn of liberalisation in the sector, which will provide a catalyst for future growth of the economy.

            Mr. Speaker, economic growth is also susceptible to stability in the country.  Any perceived threats to our stability could have dire consequences on our ability to sustain economic growth.  The nation, Sir, has been treading a delicate line since we came out of economic doldrums that beset the country in 2000.  It is through the able stewardship of the honourable Prime Minister that the country has been able to develop and progress to what is now healthy economic environment.  We cannot afford to upset the applecart now, nor throw away carefully legislated strategies and plans by Government to sustain economic growth.

            The recent stand-off between the Military and the Government has created undue tension in the country and producing a civil reaction from our overseas neighbours and aid donors, the rumble of effect cannot be ignored.  It is time the nation actively resist any attempts internally by the Military or the Fiji Labour Party to disrupt the governance of the country.  The writing is clear on the wall.  Instability in any one country in the region will not be tolerated by our more developed neighbours internationally.  I therefore, congratulate the honourable Prime Minister for his wisdom and timely attempts to diffuse what could become a volatile situation.  We are confident that common-sense will prevail and that through dialogue, an amicable and long lasting solution will be found. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also congratulate the SDL-led Multi-Party Cabinet for its input into building a solid platform in which Government will launch its strategies for nation building.  The Multi-Party Cabinet is a reflection of Government's strong commitment towards transparency and accountability, and in administering the affairs of the nation. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you and I do support the Budget.

            HON. V.D. SHARMA.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to make my contribution to the 2007 Budget Address delivered in this august House on Friday, 4th November, 2006 by the honourable Minister of Finance.

            Sir, on the 2007 Budget, this Budget is nothing unusual from the SDL-led Government.  If anything achievable is being forecasted in the 2007 Budget, I believe it is the high level of debt.  The national debt is critically more than $2.5 billion now and will nearly be $2.7 billion by 2007.  Sir, surely this country is getting a step closer to bankruptcy each day that passes by. 

            HON. I. LEWENIQILA.- That's your thinking!

            HON. V.D. SHARMA.- Sir, due to limited time available, I will not be able to elaborate in detail, various aspects of this Budget.

            Obviously, in delivering the 2007 Budget to this nation, the honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance have deliberately bypassed the Labour Party, in the process of consultation.  As such, this is not a Multi-Party Government's Budget.  On a lighter note, it is a pity that some FLP Cabinet Ministers have chosen to sit on the fence and dance to the tune of SDL.

            I call on my fellow FLP colleagues in Cabinet who are sitting on the fence or are dubiously attempting to run away from voting on the 2007 Budget on 22nd November, to think twice of their actions.  If they insist to defy the FLP and its voters, then they must be ready for the consequences of their decisions.

            I believe people wanted to see a Multi-Party Government Budget, which would have build a greater foundation for our way forward. But, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the ego and arrogance of the honourable Prime Minister has seen a golden opportunity lost in creating a much needed foundation and a working platform for a Multi-Party Government.  He has simply failed to take a wider consultative approach of partnership with the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader, to formulate a budget which would have been applauded by all. 

            Needless to say, Sir, the current Budget is an anti-poor Budget, where the SDL Government only pursued avenues of increasing revenue by unnecessarily offloading the burden on the poor by increasing VAT and duty on essential imported items.  Sir, I must brand this budget as a "dracula budget", as it will suck the blood of the citizens of this country.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, our country is much dependent on imports.  Most of the items on which the import duty has been increased will deprive many families of a decent meal and general living standard.  Sir, this measure by the honourable Minister for Finance indicates the desperate financial situation of this Government.  No doubt, the critical state of Government revenue is a direct result of mismanagement, corruption and abuse of taxpayers' money by the SDL Government.

            Agricultural Land Leases:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, most of the land leases have expired and many families do not have the benefit of raising home-grown food and livestock, in order to reduce consumption of imported food items.  I have been receiving complaints that most supermarkets have already increased their prices, even before this Budget is passed in this august House.

            Vat Increase:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the increase in VAT to 15 per cent is being condemned by thousands of our citizens, who are already facing hardships in their daily lives.  Furthermore, increase in the bank interest rate has taken place three times this year, and is already taking a toll on the average and low income earners.  In recent months, we have noticed commercial banks taking full advantage of this situation, and have increased their rates by at least, six to seven per cent, whereas rate increase by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) rate was only 1.5 per cent.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, most developing countries base the strength of their economy through the usage of their most valuable resource, which is land.  In Fiji, we cannot even plant enough food and vegetables for own consumption, since the SDL came into power after the coup of May 2000.  After the expiry of the leases, most of the land are lying idle.

            The increase in VAT and import duty is the hardest blow by the SDL Government that the poor can stomach.  This decision will further deprive the poor and underprivileged a decent meal, respectable home and decent clothing for their families.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, Government's decision to increase VAT and the duty in order to reduce the deficit, is misguided.  In fact, it has created more problems for itself, as the burden to cater for the poor will fall back on the Government since there is insufficient allocation to cater for the poor and needy in this Budget.  I will point this out at a later stage in this House.

            As I have said, through corruption and abuse, this Government has raided taxpayers' coffers.  The Auditor-General's Report year in and year out, has raised this and the most recent Reports tabled in this House last week, also highlighted instances of what I am saying.  Undoubtedly, the SDL Government is the most corrupted Government in the history of Fiji.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the poor farmers in this country have suffered a lot, as a result of the unlawful acts of May 2000.  However, since then, there has not been any allocation towards their assistance and rehabilitation.  Through their hard work in the cane belt, we once championed that sugar was a backbone of this country, in terms of foreign exchange but today, Sir, we are relying on a risky tourism industry.

            I am not too convinced of the honourable Prime Minister as to how he has been handling the land issue.  I have spoken to many indigenous farmers and mataqali in my constituency, who feel that the honourable Prime Minister is using land, to ensure his chair is secured.  Most indigenous landowners have lost faith in the NLTB and this Government fails to see any urgency in resolving the land issue.  Sir, some landowners have expressed to me that previously, they were at least, getting some money in rental royalty, but today, they are crippled by their own institutions and Government, by failing to negotiate an amicable solution to land leases.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, my point is that, once the land issue is resolved, there will be an end to:

            (a)        urban drift;

            (b)        squatter problems;

            (c)        poverty;

            (d)        increased prostitution;

            (e)        crime;

            (f)         drug trafficking;

            (g)        greater level of foreign exchange;

            (h)        less government reliance; and many more.

There will be a chain of reaction and the Government can focus more towards improving poor health services and other capital projects, thus providing better services to its people and the nation.

            Current Impasse/Tourism Industry:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the current impasse between the Military and the Government has seen depleting visitor arrivals in the Coral Coast and the greater Western Division.  Sir, most resorts and hotels are recording visitor arrivals to be as low as 20 per cent. 

            Sir, the unresolved standoff between the Military and the Government will see more employees being laid off.  Can the honourable Minister for Finance confidently say that we can still achieve the growth forecast, which he has budgeted for, should the current impasse continue?

            Tourism Industry:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, this industry is mainly built on the foundation of most tourists coming from Australia, New Zealand and USA, but all these countries are regularly updating their travellers and advising that Fiji is not a destination that they should choose at this time.  We anticipate this trend to continue for another long period, before confidence is restored.  I now urge the honourable Minister for Finance to revisit his Budget, and give it a serious thought, before any implementation.  Sir, I foresee that with this trend, our billion dollar industry will deplete to a level where the Budget forecast will not be achievable, in terms of foreign dollar and revenue.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have seen in the two previous coups how difficult it had been to restore the investor confidence and faith of the tourism industry.  In this regard, I now call on the honourable Prime Minister to immediately resign, due to his failed attempt in removing the Army Commander.  The country cannot rely on the strength of his words, that this Government is safe to lead the country.  Mr. Speaker, Sir this is the same perception of other nations that do not wish to send their nationals as tourists to our shores.

            I have a question to the Police Department; whether the honourable Prime Minister will be charged for inciting mutiny in the Fiji Military Forces by colluding with a junior colonel, to overthrow Army Commander (Commodore Frank Bainimarama), while he was out of the country?  Had there been crossfire in the Military Barracks on that day in the process of installing Colonel Saubulinayau as the new Commander, who would have been held responsible, is it Mr. Qarase or Mr. Bainimarama?

            The plan hatched by the honourable Prime Minister could have resulted in bloodshed.  Fortunately, our Army does have soldiers like Captain Esala Teleni, Colonel Pita Driti, Colonel Neumi Leweni, Colonel Rabukawaqa, Colonel Viliame Seruvakula, and many others who are honest and loyal to their institution.  I believe that some of the demands made by the Military are legitimate and should be taken on board by the Government.

            Controversial Bills:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Government should stop talking about the Promotion, Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity (PRTU) Bill.  This Bill is the biggest recipe for continuous coups in Fiji.  Should there be another coup in Fiji, the honourable Prime Minister will have to take the full blame, since through the PRTU Bill, his Government is promoting a politically-motivated crime, that is, releasing those involved in the illegal overthrow of the democratically-elected Government in May 2000.

            The Qoliqoli Bill and the Land Claims Tribunal Bill have been vigorously opposed by the Tourism Sector, the Fiji Law Society, Fiji Human Rights Commission, and many others.  As such, my advice to the Government is that, it should do the right thing and shelve all these controversial Bills.

            HON. L.T. SALABULA.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise on a point of order - Standing Order 43(5)(d).  I suppose the Speaker has to analyse what he is talking about.

            MR. SPEAKER.- Honourable Member, if you can just move our debate again to the essential part of the Budget.

            HON. V.D. SHARMA.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the truth always hurts, and this is the truth.

            The reason why this country has gone down is that there is a budget deficit.  I want honourable Members to know the real feeling of my constituents, that is, unless the suggestion I have made is taken on board by Government, whether by way of a demand from the Military, it will not be able to rely on the tourism industry.

            Elections Fraud: The honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning, in his opening Budget Address, mentioned about the 2006 General Elections.  I have a burning question, since attempts were made by the Elections Office to remove voters from my constituency roll to other constituencies.  In this regard, I had to spend more than $5,000 from my pocket to get those voters registered in my constituency.

            Sir, would Mr. Andrew Hughes explain to the people of Fiji whether the Police will investigate the Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Semesa Karavaki, SDL Senator, the honourable Tupeni Baba and the SDL Party, given the Military's allegation concerning the international fraudster Mr. Peter Foster's links in the 2006 General Elections, particularly in the printing of ballot papers?

            Constituency Matters (Roads): My constituency stretches from Nadi International Airport to Veitari Ward in Lautoka City.  It is a matter of great concern that despite my call to clean the roads and improve the environment that fall in my constituency, this Government has failed to take the necessary steps in this direction.  The area I have just mentioned is potential for tourism development, unfortunately, it is being left like a sleeping giant.

            Road conditions are generally very poor throughout my constituency, like in other parts of the country, yet, LTA officers continue to harass the vehicle owners 24 hours a day, since recently.

            While on LTA, I believe this is another blood sucking institution.  For every minor service, it charges exorbitant fees such as searching information relating to vehicle or licensing, and it charges a minimum fee of $7.00.  Sir, there is no fee that is less than $7.00. 

            Sir, recently, I had asked the honourable Minister whether he would review the LTA Regulations.  The honourable Minister replied that this would be done within three months.  To-date, I have not heard anything from the honourable Minister. 

            Naboutini Nursing Station: The station is still closed since the takeover by landowners concerned more than six years ago.  Last year, the honourable Minister for Health was reminded to take heed of the plight of my constituents when I had raised this matter by way of an adjournment motion in this House.  Sir, nothing has been done to-date.

            Telephone Lines: Hundreds of families are still waiting for Telecom Fiji's telephone service, yet we are being repeatedly told that there is no circuit available in the larger part of my constituency.  I call on the Government to remove Telecom monopoly in Fiji as soon as possible to allow competition.  Once the Telecom service is deregulated in Fiji, there will be other companies available to provide similar services on public demand. I had written to the honourable Minister for Information and Communications in this regard some two months ago, yet, there is no response to-date.

            Water Supply: Most families in my constituency still do not have access to piped water.  These are the Velovelo, Wairebatia, Saweni, Vaivai, Navula settlements and parts of Sabeto, to name a few.  However, massive water leakage is visible everywhere in the PWD mains.

            Once again, before I resume my seat, I would like to reject Government's policy plan and the 2007 Budget, as I believe it will make Fiji poorer in the next 12 months.

            MR. SPEAKER.- Honourable Members, at this juncture, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of our visitors, particularly the officials from the Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Housing.

            HON. G.S. RAJ.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the 2007 Budget. Firstly, I will speak on my Ministry's Budget allocation, before I speak in my Ra dialect.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to congratulate the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning for a sound 2007 Budget, for which I support.  Any budget will have aspects that are not acceptable to certain members of the community, but I am pleased that the theme "Partnership for Sustained Growth" spells out our focus - to engage our communities in Government's steady efforts to achieve economic growth and stability.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, in my contribution, I would like to focus on areas of responsibilities that my Ministry is charged with, to advance the country and contribute to the national vision for a peaceful and prosperous Fiji.

            As the Member of Parliament for Ra and Naitasiri Open, and as the Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Housing, I am grateful to Government's commitment which enables me to continue discharging my duty and obligations in promoting the welfare and interests of those this Budget will enable me to do justice.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, also as the Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Housing, I would like to place on record our appreciation to the Government for allocating a proportional increase to our Ministry.  In line with the priorities and policy objectives discussed at the recent Economic Summit and embodied in the Strategic Development Plan 2007 to 2011, my Ministry has been charged with achieving the following goals:

            (a)        developing strategies for poverty reduction;

            (b)        ensure the protection and development of children;

            (c)        increase the participation of women in socio-economic development;

            (d)        providing housing, income support and income generating opportunities to the poor;

            (e)        co-ordination of services to people with disabilities; and

            (f)         providing a social safety-net to those in a severe state of deprivation.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I refer to the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning's 2007 Budget Address, where a sum of $72 million has been allocated for the continuation of Affirmative Action Programmes in education, land, housing, poverty alleviation, social welfare, assistance to the disabled and participation in business and industry.  I wish to inform this august House, Sir, that of the sum of $34,944.4 million budgeted under the Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Housing in the year 2007, I now wish to give a summary of the activities to be undertaken by the Ministry.

            Poverty alleviation policy objectives under the programme are as stated under the Strategic Development Plan - 2007 to 2011, to enable all categories of poor to meet their basic needs.  The two main programmes to achieve the policy objectives are the family assistance allowance and the poverty alleviation project. 

            On the family assistance under the provisions of $18 million, this has been allocated in the year 2007.  Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a key programme in helping the poor with monthly cash assistance issued to families living in poverty.  The scheme was given a budget of $16 million this year and for this, we have been able to support just under 24,000 families who are now receiving this assistance - an increase of 3,000 new families from the previous years, and in addition, we have been able to increase the minimum rate of $30 to $60 which benefited over 70 per cent of our recipients. 

            It should be noted, Sir, that the highest number of cases are as follows:

            (a)        chronically ill - 25 per cent;

            (b)        elderly - 24 per cent;

            (c)        death of breadwinner - 23 per cent;

            (d)        permanent disabled - 14 per cent;

            (e)        deserted spouse - 7 per cent;

            (f)         single parent - 5 per cent; and

            (g)        prisoners' dependants - 1 per cent.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the budget increase of $2 million will merely meet our current level of commitment because of the increase that we implemented within our 2006 Budget allocation.  What we intend to do is set up our review and current recipients and crack down on those receiving it, who are not deserving cases.  We had started this review last year, but for next year, we will be going district by district, village by village and settlement by settlement, working closely with the mata ni tikina, turaga ni koro and advisory councillors.  At this juncture, I again would like to thank the honourable Minister for Finance for providing us with 10 new vehicles.  I am pleased to say that the target of not less than 1,500 is in the SDP of the number of recipients who have to be weaned off this assistance into income generating projects.

            I am pleased to report, Sir, that to-date, 813 recipients have been identified, who are likely to be weaned off through the Walking Out of Poverty programme. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, my Ministry is also exploring new areas and opportunities of improving the services to our clients.  It is working in collaboration with the ANZ Rural Banking Scheme to deliver the family assistance allowance to rural recipients to their doorsteps and providing banking services, and I will be seeking the support of Cabinet in this regard.

            The second programme is the Poverty Alleviation Project for which a provision of $3 million has been allocated in the 2007.  From this programme, our Ministry provides funding support to family assistance recipients, ex-servicemen receiving allowance under the After Care Fund and ex-prisoners.  Housing assistance of $5,000 is given for the building of a completely new house for the family and $3,500 for renovations to homes that have gone into disrepair due to the lack of financial capability of the family.  In addition, these families lack the means to earn an income and the $3,000 grant for income generating projects is to help them get started. 

            Already, Sir, we see the need to phase out the Ex-prisoner PAP applications made to the department.  Instead, we would be better off working with the Prisons Service to assist those identified for rehabilitation and to work on income generating projects at the village level, so that ex-prisoners can be productively occupied rather than just taking cheques from our Ministry and doing whatever they want.  Also, we will be working closely with other Ministries, especially the Centre of the SME in the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Forests to ensure that the groups know who they are working with, so that they will be able to access assistance from these ministries' budget allocation. 

            Housing: Mr. Speaker, Sir, the honourable Minister of State for Housing has covered this area very well in her contribution, so I will not go into detail about it, except to say that the policy objective under this programme is as stated under the Strategic Development Plan 2007 to 2011 as citizens, including those with low income who can have access to decent and affordable housing towards home ownership.

            In this, Sir, we are significantly upgrading squatter settlements by redevelopment of squatter areas, and providing basic amenities in current squatter settlements.  We are working closely with Housing Authority, Public Rental Board and HART to develop housing programmes to reduce the existence of squatter settlements and social housing.  We are working in partnership with NLTB for ready supply of residential land to resettle squatters and to proactively resettle expired ALTA tenants on agricultural leases.

            Sir, the provisions allocated in the 2007 Budget are as follows:

            (a)        $1 million grant to Public Rental Board Subsidy;

            (b)        $1 million grant to Housing Authority;

            (c)        $2 million grant to HART; and

            (d)        $3 million allocation for squatter upgrading and resettlement. 

            Social Welfare: Mr. Speaker, Sir, the policy objective under this Programme is as stated under the SDP 2007 to 2011, that is for children and youth and people to enjoy greater protection and development.  In this respect, Sir, my Ministry is responsible for a number of legislative responsibilities under the Juvenile Act, Adoption Act, Probation Act, Community Work Act in compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other relevant international instruments.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the care and protection of children is an important responsibility of families and parents and it is very sad to see everyday, cases reported in the media of abuse and neglect of children.  Again, the Ministry will be stepping up our child protection services and creating greater awareness amongst parents with parenting skills and family counselling services, children and youth on sexual, drug and substance abuse, suicide, reproductive health education and family life issues.

            The funding provision in the 2007 budget allocation to support these services include a grant of $89,000 for the management of the Mahaffy Girls Home by Salvation Army, capital grants to voluntary organisations and NGOs of $400,000, a sum of $230,000 for Care and Protection Allowance which is paid to children's homes and families of children at risk in the community. 

            The operating expenses for institutional services has a budgetary provision of $362,200.  This is for the maintenance of juveniles at the Boys Centre at Devore Home in Walu Bay, and I wish to acknowledge them.  For the field services, it has a provision of $1,479,000.

            With respect to the care and protection of children, the Department of Social Welfare continues to provide care and supervision for children at risk, including those who are up for adoption, abandoned and neglected.  I take this opportunity, Sir, to thank the churches, especially those that have been providing an enabling home environment for these children - the Methodist Church for Dilkusha Home in Nausori and Veilomani Boys Home in Ba, the Anglican Church for Saint Christopher's Home in Nakasi, the Assemblies of God Church for Treasure Home in Ba, and the Salvation Army who manages the Mahaffy Girls Home in Suva. 

            Under the provision of the Juveniles Act, Cap. 56, children at risk under the age of 17 years are placed under the supervision of the Director of Social Welfare, who in turn are placed in these homes.  Every effort is made to return these children to their families as early as possible.                 

            Assistance to the Disabled:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the policy objective under this Programme is, as stated in the STP 2007 to 2011, for people with disabilities to enjoy greater access to an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, as a clear demonstration and visible expression of the interest, support and commitment of this current Government towards providing equal opportunities, fair treatment and social justice for people with disabilities, is the annual allocation of the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons by Government.  This year, a further allocation of $203,000 has been made for the construction of facilities for persons with disabilities in the Northern Division, for which engineering works will commence shortly. 

            The funding provisions in the 2007 Budget allocation is the grant of $170,000 to the Fiji National Council of Disabled.

            Gender Equality and Women in Development:  The policy objective under the programme is, as stated under the SDP 2007 to 2011 for the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women through full participation in business and decision-making process.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am very proud that during my term in office, I have been able to increase the funding allocation for the implementation of the Women's Plan of Action to $1 million.  Of course, this is not enough, since women make up 50 per cent of the population, but this is a serious commitment in recognition of the increasing importance of women's contribution to the economy and the nation as a whole. 

            The Women's Plan of Action, Mr. Speaker, Sir, has been recently reviewed and was the subject of the recent Women Leaders' Summit.  It was agreed that the five strategic areas of action will be:

            (a)        Advancing Women's Participation in Decision-Making at all levels;

            (b)        Creating greater awareness and understanding amongst women on the law;

            (c)       Supporting actions and programmes to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and children;

            (d)       Promoting and support programmes to address women's health, in particular, the protective health and HIV/AIDS transmission; and

(e)              Promoting and supporting women in formal sector employment and livelihood. 

            Sir, this Government has made considerable progress in relation to the empowerment of women, addressing gender disparities and pursuing gender and development, as reflected in legislative and policy progress since 1988.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to again thank the honourable Prime Minister and the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Government came into power after the events of 2000, when there was instability.  I would like to pose some questions to the Fiji Labour Party. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the two major sources of income for our country are sugar and tourism.  The Secretary-General of the National Farmers Union (NFU), and leader of the Fiji Labour Party went and told the farmers to go on strike.  Farmers have lost thousands and thousands tonnes of cane through this.  We would have sold or exported those sugar to earn more revenue for our country.  I therefore, ask; who made this country poor?

            From 2000, when this Government came into power, the highest scholarship awards were given to the Indo-Fijians and the Minorities.  The honourable Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs will continue to do that, Sir. 

            HON. J.N. BANUVE.- Tell them, tell them!

            HON. G.S. RAJ.- We do not discriminate people.  The Indo-Fijian community just gave us two per cent of the votes, but that was not our thinking in the first Budget.  The decision to increase the Multi-Ethnic Affairs scholarships is done by the honourable Prime Minister, the honourable Minister for Finance and Cabinet.  If there were ill-feelings in us, we would have reduced the budget, but that is not what our Government is all about.  We love our people.  Once we are given a position, it does not matter if that person voted for us or not, it is our duty at the ministerial level to serve our nation; one race, one colour, service to the communities and worship to God.  That is the way Government is going and we will continue to help each and every individual throughout our country. 

            At this juncture, I would like to thank the staff of my Ministry, in particular, the CEO.  We have already terminated 16 staffs in the Ministry, because of non-performance.  No matter what I have said in my speech today, if we are not going to implement this, nothing is going to happen.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, we are going to report to this august House every six months what we have achieved by the 2007 Budget.  That is with transparency and accountability.  That is the way we will move and why the Civil Servants Excellence Awards was won by the Ministry for Women, Social Welfare and Housing. 

            Sir, I have just heard about the land problems.  The honourable Prime Minister is now inviting the leader of the Fiji Labour Party to discuss the land issues with him.  Last Wednesday, members of the SDL Party were present, without any members from the FLP.  How then will we be able to solve the land problems?  A 50-year lease has been given by our indigenous brothers and sisters to our Indo-Fijian community. 

            Sir, we may dwell on education and culture and tradition, but everything is being preserved by our indigenous community.  They have given us the respect.  In return, on every lease, they only have six per cent of the UCV value.  Sir, we need to increase the 10 per cent which was proposed when the honourable Member for Ba Open (M.P. Chaudhry) was Prime Minister in 1999.  We need to get these leases under NLTA, where the minimum 30 years will be given and a maximum of 50 years.  Once we get another 30-year lease to the Indo-Fijian community, they will simply move on for another 30 years and more money for the indigenous landowners.  That is what the indigenous landowners are giving us.  Why cannot we accept that?  This is the biggest problem in this nation. 

            Sir, we have been called honourable Members of this august House, and it is our duty to protect our country.  Even if we have to lose our last drop of blood for this nation, we have to protect our country at this time.  This is the reason why the people have chosen us to be here.  If there are no roads in the interior, they will write and tell us; "Turaga Minisita, keirau se waraka tikoga na gaunisala me caka".  How patient they are, Sir. 

            Sir, in my constituency, there are 142 villages and I have visited all of them.  As for the problems that they face, we will and inform the relevant Ministers and these problems will be solved. 

            Constituency Matters:  Mr. Speaker, Sir, the promise has already being done, which is the construction of the Kings Highway in 2008.  That will boom the eco-tourism in my area.  That is what we want, Sir, and that will be done by the Government.

             There will be electricity in the rural areas, in the tikina of Saivou in Nalawa and also in Naitasiri, Sir.  As has been mentioned by the honourable Minister for Fisheries and Forests, $1.5 million has been allocated to upgrade the Naqali Bridge.  We are going to move this country forward and at this juncture, I would like to say that there will be a reduction in poverty and more market access to the rural areas. 

            Sir, at this juncture, I stand to salute Mr. Hari Punja, the Chairman of Flour Mills of Fiji Limited.  By taking 16 to 20 tonnes of cassava, he is buying 16 to 20 tonnes of it every month.  This is another source of income for our people and this is being done in the provinces of Ra and Naitasiri.  They have said that they will continue to buy cassava, breadfruit, yams and dalo in months to come.  Sir, that is what we are waiting for, you plant more and you will have a market.  Rather than bringing this produce to the market, they are going to buy these from your doorstep, probably at 50 cents a kilogramme, which is a lot of money.  A bag of cassava will just cost you $30 to $35, when you bring them over to the market, it will just cost you over $15 or $20.  Every time, the Fiji Labour Party criticises Mr. Hari Punja, that is the partnership we have with the private sector.

            Au kerea saka mada me soli e dua na gauna lekaleka me'u sa dalitaka na noqu vosa vaka Ra.

            'Iko saka na Turaga na i Liuliu ni Bose.  Au vakavinavinaka vakalevu vua na turaga na Paraiminisita kei na Minisita ni Lavo.  Sa dei tikoga na yasana vakaturaga ko Ra, qei na yasana vakaturaga ko Naitasiri, e na Matanitu sa cici iko e na gauna oqo.  Sa dei tikoga Turaga na i Liuliu ni Bose Lawa  na noqu vanua na yasana vakaturaga ko Ra, au vakabauta na Matanitu kece sa devu sa sese ki noqu vanua, na Matanitu ga qoi sa cici 'iko, sa vano mai e dua na kena vakasama me nanuma na vanua mai uluda.  Sa vanua saka sa golei mai kina na kawa i Taukei ni vanua ko Viti. 

            Au vakavinavinaka vakalevu vua na Matanitu, sa vakarau oti na sala levu na Kings Highway, me kauta mai na saravanua ki na noqu vanua vakaturaga mai Ra.  Au vakavinavinaka vakalevu ni soli tiko na livaliva ki na noqu yasana vakaturaga ko Ra kei na yasana vakaturaga ko Naitasiri.  Qoi saraga na veivakatorocaketaki sa cakava tiko na Matanitu ena gauna oqoi.  Sa sogo na i qaqi mai Ra, au vakavinavinaka vakalevu vua na na General Manager kei ira na gone e na noqu yasana vakaturaga ko Ra, e ra cakacaka tiko e na Penang Mill, na i qaqi levu, totoka na kena cakacaka, sa sogo na kena qaqi, e na noa saka. 

            Vinaka vakalevu na turaga na Paraiminisita, vua na Matanitu qo na veitokoni, sa soli tiko ki na noqu vanua e na yasana vakaturaga ko Ra kei na noqu vanua e na yasana vakaturaga ko Naitasiri.  Na kerekere levu e tiko e na noqu vanua me kua ni dau sese na neirau vanua.  Kua ni dau sese keirau na vanua, na ka au sa 'ukunia rawa na qase ni Kubuna wara ga na vanua ni Kubuna taucoko na vanua ko Viti mai na yasana vakaturaga ko Ra.  Kera dau vakarokoroko ga na matanitu e na gauna kece.  Na devudevu ga na masorau dau tiko vei keirau dau laveta ki na matanitu.  Sa kerei tiko me rau vukea na noqu vanua e na yasana vakaturaga ko Ra va na yasana vakaturaga ko Naitasiri. 

            Turaga na i Liuliu ni Bose e 142 na koro, na gauna keirau sa veisiko va'a kei na noqu marama na CEO, va na noqu lesilesi ni Matanitu. Dua ga na ka au dau tukuna, na i tavi ni Matanitu sa cakava iko.  Sa i tavi ni vanua me teitei vakalevu, bera madaga me vakayadra, kauta nomu bilo ti, kauta na nomu mataiva, loma ni were teitei mada, vica ga na buke ni tavioka, vica na buke ni yaqona. Lesu mai, sili somi ti, kamikamica na ti qoi, cakacaka qoi saraga na i tavi ni lewe ni vanua, ia noqu lewe ni vanua sa caka iko na ka kece, na ka au sa ukunia, sa qai vano mai e dua na makete me sa volia na tavioka na Flour Mills of Fiji Limited.  Na i sau madaga ni yaqona na gauna qoi e $40 dua na kilo na waka.  Teitei vakalevu, nanuma ga dau maroroi tiko na sede e na loma ni baqe.  Dua na yabaki tei madaga e dua na udolu na buke, devu mada dua ale na yabaki, na gauna sa devu na lima na yabaki na matai ni yabaki e tei qo sa matua, dua na udolu qoi e dua na sede levu e na kauta mai e na bulataka na vanua.  Qoi saraga na ka me cakava tiko, na matanitu malua sa vano mai me vukea na kena tabana ni teitei, na tabana ni Regional Development, noqu tabana na Ministry ni Women and Social Welfare, so ale na tabana na Ministry ni Fisheries and Forest, qoi saraga na ka keirau vinakata me keirau toso taka ruarua na dagena. 

            Na 15 na pasede na VAT kei na ka kece qoi, sega ni dua na ka keirau me keirau cakacaka ga vakaukauwa, rawata na ka kece, sa devu ga na ka kece.  Qoi na kena i tavi na 71 na mata ena lomani Bose Lawa, qoi me sa lako na gauna sa laki veisiko ki na nodratou vanua me lako me tukuna me teitei ga vakalevu.  Ia o iratou sa vano mai, ke sa dusia tikoga na Matanitu, dusia tikoga na Matanitu.  Au sega ni vinakata me raica o iratou mai Ra.  Beka lako mai Ra, io na lako mai na kena vakasama me soli na noqu lewe ni vanua me rawa kina na bula vinaka.

            Vinaka vakalevu, na Minisita ni Lavo, dua na 'uraga dau ukunia iko keimami mai Ra, na 'agane qoi, kalouga'a tiko nomu bula, qaqa 'iko, via'lia na sua vacava na gauna qoi, dau 'ukunia ga na kai Ra, ma'e na ma'e, vano na vano, 'auria se wara.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, with those few words, I fully support the Budget and toegher with the vanua of Ra and Naitasiri.

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Sir, before I get into the Budget proper, I would like to congragulate the gallant team of Nadroga for wrestling the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from Naitasiri.  Sir, congratulations are in order and being a sportsman, and the comforting factor for us is that, it took a man from Naitasiri to mould the winning combination for Nadroga.  So, enjoy the trophy while you have it, Sir, because we will come for it next year!

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, at the outset, I would like to reiterate the strong support of the constituency I represent, which are the three provinces of Naitasiri, Namosi and Kadavu for this Government.  The support is unequivocal and unwavering, as shown in the 2001 and 2006 General Elections.      

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, at the outset, I wish to commend the honourable Minister for Finance and National Planning, for presenting to us the 2007 Budget, that is both visionary and practical.  The same cannot be said to the other side of the House.

            To begin with, the official spokesman on finance, who is none other than the honourable Leader of the Opposition, with his rather lazy attempt to reply to the Budget, on behalf of the Opposition.  If the Secretariat looks at the record of the honourable Member's attendance, there are more days of absenteeism than his days of being here in this House.  To prove my point, Sir, the honourable Leader is not here at the moment.  That is why he did not do a very good job, in presenting an alternate Budget to this House.  Sir, I think it is beyond his capability.  The point is, he is incapable of doing so and should resign from that position and give it to the honourable Member for Nadi Rural Communal (P. Mupnar), who in all honesty, will do a better attempt than the honourable Member for Western/Central General Communal (M.M. Beddoes).

            (Laughter)

            Sir, this is the seventh Budget that I have participated in its debate, since I came in 2001.  Never before and never has been an alternative Budget coming from the other side of the House from those critics of this Budget - none. 

            HON. ADI A. CAUCAU.- Very true!

            HON. T. YOUNG.- That is their job, they owe it to the nation, to present an alternative to what Government is presenting.

            HON. ADI. A. CAUCAU.- They do not know their jobs.

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Sir, since we came here in 2001, I have never ever heard or read any alternative Budget from the other side of the House. 

            HON. P. MUPNAR.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise on a point of order under Standing Order 43 (1) - Reference to others says and I quote:

            "A Member may not impute improper motives to any other Member."

            I think, the honourable Leader of the Opposition has done a very good job in presenting his side of the Budget.  The honourable Member for Lomaivuna/Namosi/Kadavu Open (T. Young) is unnecessarily ridiculing the honourable Member and should withdraw those words.

            MR. SPEAKER.- Honourable Member for Lomaivuna/Namosi/Kadavu Open, be mindful of that Standing Order.

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I forgive the honourable Member for Nadi Rural Communal as he does not understand English very well.

            Sir, I have not heard an alternative Budget from the honourable Leader of the Opposition.  I have been listening to all the contributions from the honourable Members of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), who are opposing the Budget, no alternatives are forthcoming but criticisms.  I am waiting for the contribution of the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and Member for Ba Open (M.P. Chaudhry).  He is very vocal in his criticism of this Budget.  I will call him when he makes his contribution to the Budget in this House, to give us some alternatives on the medium term, macro-economic targets that he thinks should replace what we have.  He should give us the fiscal targets, direct and indirect taxation measures. 

            They have been vocal in opposing VAT, they want it to be scrapped.  However, VAT is generating income of over $600 million.  If they scrap VAT, the honourable Member should come up with an alternative of how we can get that $600 million.  What measures are they going to take?  It is very easy to criticise, but to come up with an alternative, you have not done that.  You have not done that in the last five years and you will not be doing it this time around.  I can guarantee that.  What are your monetary policies?  None of you have thought of any monetary policy.  What is your fiscal policy?

            HON. ADI A. CAUCAU.- Nothing, they do not know!

            HON. T. YOUNG.- What are you revenue policies?  These are the things that you should be talking about here, if you are opposing this Budget.  The people of this country deserve your view, your alternative Budget, measures or policies.  Give it to them.  What are your strategies to promote exports?  What reforms have you out in place for Government?  None at all.  So, you are not doing your work properly, as honourable Members of Parliament, to give alternatives to the people of this country.  They deserve it.  It is very easy to criticise - any Tom, Dick and Harry can criticise.  That is the easiest thing to do.  However, to come up with a workable alternative, that can stand up to the scrutiny like you are scrutinising the Government Budget.  You have not done that for the last six years.  By the way you are going, you will not do it for this Budget. 

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, the 2007 Budget with the theme - "Partnership for Sustained Growth" is founded on Strategic Development Plan Vision of a peaceful and a prosperous Fiji which provides a clear picture of Fiji's future we are all aspiring for as citizens of this country.  While the centrality of economic growth in reducing poverty cannot be over-emphasised, it is equally important to note how Government has set out its priorities for the next four years, in order to secure a sustained level of economic growth and the benefits will flow to all of us.  A threat to economic growth, law and order and democracy around the world today, is terrorism and terrorists, of course. 

            Sir, the word "terrorist" as defined in the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, are those participants and supporters who use violence and intimidation for political purposes.  We have a new type of terrorist here in Fiji at this point time.  It is racking havoc on the economy, threatening law and order and even, threatening Parliamentary democracy.  I am talking about none other than the current leadership in the Fiji Military Forces and their advisors. 

            I congratulate the honourable Prime Minister for being very level headed and cool about tackling this group of terrorists that we have here in Fiji.  Sir, they are the biggest threat in anything that we are trying to do, to lift the economy of our country.  Sir, because of their terrorists acts, we have cancelled bookings in the tourism industry.  The conservative, minimum figure allocated to the tourism industry is about $100 million and this amount will increase.  People will be laid off, and you are aware of this, since you are the former Minister for Tourism.  Not to mention, investors who were willing to come and invest in Fiji are now shying away because of this terrorist we have in Fiji.  Sir, I was talking to the honourable Member for Macuata East Open (A.D. Singh) about an investor, who wanted to come and invest with the Fiji Teachers' Union.  He was willing to come and put in $35 million, but because of these terrorist activities, he has gone to another country.  That is just an example of the effect of these terrorist acts going on in this country. 

            Sir, that is on the economy.  When people get laid off, who will be answerable?  We in this august House, as elected Members of Parliament, it is our duty to see that this type of terrorism will not continue in Fiji.  However, I am appalled at the utter silence from the other side of the House.

            HON. ADI A. CAUCAU.- They are supporting it.

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Perhaps, these are the silent supporters that is mentioned by this terrorist.  None of them mentioned anything or condemned what the Military is trying to do in this country.  So, we take it that they are supporting what is going on.  

            On law and order, they are supposed to be advocates of law and order and Parliamentary democracy, which is being threatened.  It is our duty to make and uphold laws, but I have never heard any condemnation from the other side of the House on the threats by this terrorist, to come and take over this democratically elected Government.  I know the reason, Sir.  I have been reliably told that they have an alternative line-up already in the Camp, and the name of the leader of the FLP is included it.  That is the reason they are silent.  Sir, we the Members of Parliament have a duty to stand up for law and order and Parliamentary democracy.

            Sir, I congratulate the Police Force and the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP) for investigating the seditious activities of this terrorist.  I also urge them to investigate their advisors and supporters for aiding and abetting sedition in this country. 

            HON. ADI A. CAUCAU.- And take them to gaol!

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Sir, we owe it to our people, that we cut off this monster's head right now for the sake of our children in the future.  We have gone through many hard times and made a lot of sacrifices, and now, we have this terrorist twirling its ugly head in our country, in the form of the current Military leadership.  Sir, our forefathers and chiefs, who founded the Military, never even dreamt that one day, the Military will be used against its own people, in threatening democracy and their lives; threats, intimidation, fear, you name it.  Those are the tactics of cowards!

            HON. ADI A. CAUCAU.- They are cowards indeed.

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Sir, for those of us who uphold law and order, I appeal to the gallant men and women of our Military, never ever follow an unlawful order, let alone a treasonous one to take over a democratically elected Government, because you will be answerable in court for that.  Following orders is never an excuse to an illegal, unlawful and treasonous activity.  This has already been proven over time, in various courts all over the world, even in our Courts in Fiji, during the trial of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) soldiers.  I call on our gallant men and women of the Military, never ever contemplate following an illegal and unlawful order because that is your right and duty as a citizen of this country.  Those who want to do those illegal treasonous acts, tell them to come themselves and do it, and do not send our loyal gallant men and women to do the dirty work for them, and then at the end of the day, run away.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, one of the Government's priorities that have to be addressed (I am shifting now to my portfolio) is improving the lives of our rural people.  Sir, we are very thankful to the honourable Minister for Finance for giving us a 40 per cent increase in the allocation of the Ministry, as an appointed Ministry to improve the lives of our rural people and rural development, from a revised estimate of $16 million last year to an allocation of $23 million this year.

            Sir, I would like to focus on how we will spend this generous allocation from the honourable Minister for Finance. 

            Sir, in rural housing, we have a Rural Housing Scheme and the aim of this is to provide affordable housing to our rural dwellers.  Sir, two schemes under this programme are available.  One is to provide for the purchase and transportation of building materials from suppliers to homeowners.  The second is to provide the two-thirds contribution of the cost of the house.  Sir, this is open to all communities, who live in the rural areas.  I have a lot of happy and success stories to relate to this House, of our rural dwellers who have benefited from this allocation, which has lifted their lives and standards of living.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, during the period 2002 to 2006, a total of $5.5 million was spent, assisting 1,050 families; imagine that, Sir, making a difference to those families.  In the 2007 Budget, from an allocation of $2.5 million, we will further assist 350 families and build them new houses.

            Sir, on our Provincial Development Committee Projects, a sum of approximately $9.5 million was committed from 2002 to 2006.  Sir, these projects mostly involved the constructing of Irish crossing, sea walls, tarsealing of roads and access roads to settlements, upgrading and improving community projects.  We will undertake a further 145 projects from the allocation of $3 million given to us for 2007. 

            Sir, some of the major roading projects done in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are in line with Government's desire and target that all villages and settlements that can be linked by roads would be linked under this Government tenureship. 

            In the Northern Division, we are looking at linking Lagi, Tawake upto Udu Point.  We will also link Viani and Lea villages in Navatu, and we will complete the road from Vusaratu to Wailevu, and begin linking that with Napuka in the tikina of Tunuloa.  Sir, in the Western Division, I would like to inform the honourable State Minister that we are looking at completing the Koroua/Bemana road.  We are also going to link Navitilevu to Yalavou, and we will also upgrade those roads, as you have requested.  In the Central Division, major roading projects are in Naitasiri and Namosi.  These are where the allocation would be spent. 

            HON. G.S. RAJ.- Vacava mai Ra?

            HON. T. YOUNG.- Sir, on Self-Help Programme, this is aimed in assisting communities in the construction of basic amenities and other small income generating projects.  It is done on a one-third and two-thirds cost sharing basis.  This is one of the most widely-used forms of assistance where communities are encouraged to initiate their economic and social projects.

            Sir, there has been an unprecedented increase in demands for funds under this Programme by rural communities since 1996.  This year alone, total projects received from rural communities were about $10 million.  This gives us a clear indication of the popularity of these projects and the huge difference it will make to the lives of our people.

            In the period 2002 to 2006, a total of $15.3 million was allocated by Government and used by the communities for these 3,741 projects right around Fiji.  This partnership with Government will, no doubt, increase communities' self-reliance.  With the allocation of $4 million in 2007, we are looking at assisting 600 projects, benefiting or indirectly over 200,000 people.

            Maintenance of Non-PWD Roads:  Sir, further funds have been allocated for the period 2002 to 2005 totalled $3.9 million, with Macuata receiving the largest allocation (307,655), followed by the province of Bua (64,000).  A total of 296 roads have been maintained under this Programme, with a total cost of $5.378 million.

            Non-Cane Access Roads:  This Programme focuses on opening up road access to areas that are still inaccessible by road networks, largely for social and economic development.  Even the budgetary increase over the years, the Ministry has been responsible for the construction and maintenance of some 439 non-cane agricultural roads, valued at $5.3 million.  Sir, majority of these projects have merely been on the islands of Koro, Ovalau, Kadavu, Eastern Division and also in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

            Cane Access Roads:  Sir, this Programme will be of interest to our colleagues from the Fiji Labour Party, which is for the maintenance of existing access roads and opening of new cane access roads for sugarcane farmers and non-sugarcane agricultural farmers in the cane belt areas.  Until this year, under these Programmes, farmers have to pay a contribution of one-third towards these roads.  However, Government in realising the difficulties faced by the farmers has waived the one-third contribution from this year, and is now paying for the total cost of the maintenance of these roads.  Sir, the highest volume of assistance for the sugarcane access roads again went to Macuata.  This year alone, more than 2,000 roads were assisted.

            Community Capacity-Building Programme:  This is another Programme in our Ministry and since 2004, we have embarked on a community capacity-building programme to build community resourcefulness and increase its resilience to a level at which the community can grow, implement and sustain actions that allow it to exert greater control over its physical, social, economic and cultural environments.  The pilot programme for this development initiative targeted 42 selected pilot communities, comprising two villages and one settlement per province.  Sir, 25 of these have already had planning and audited completed, whilst the remaining 70 are currently being done.

            Disaster Management:  Sir, our Ministry is responsible for this function of Government.  The National Disaster Management Act and the National Disaster Management Plan are the two principle documents that guide and direct disaster management in Fiji.  The two documents have recently been revised.  The new legislation and plan will address issues that have emerged during the review process.  Principally, the management of both natural and man-made hazards and the paradigm shift towards risk management is an integral part of national development planning.

            Despite the numerous programmes and activities, the National Disaster Management Office is mandated to undertake Disaster Management Services and Awareness with our budgeted allocation.  Sir, a $2 million Disaster Fund has been allocated for us, which is held under a trust fund account and is provided for to deal specifically with disaster relief and rehabilitation when a disaster occurs.

            Sir, I believe and fully support the spirit of the 2007 Budget which calls for sustained growth through partnership and talking about partnership, allow me to go on to the multi-party issue.

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, since we became independent in 1970, various governments have tried and failed to have a truly multiracial cabinet and government, beginning from the Alliance Government.  They could not achieve the wishes of our people to have power-sharing and to have a truly multiracial government, fully reflective of a composition of a country.  No leader has succeeded, until the 2006 Elections when the honourable Prime Minister, in his wisdom and foresight, established the first-ever, truly Multi-Party Government.

            Sir, we have heard accolades, there has been a huge response from the public.  For the first time ever, we are working together for the common good of our country, both major political parties' representatives of the two major races in this country.  However, all these are now being started by the honourable leader of the FLP.  First of all, he refused to join the Multi-Party Cabinet, even when offered very senior positions in Cabinet.

            Sir, if that was not bad enough, he is seeing how the multi-party is functioning very well, has gone ahead and done his devious plans to startle the Multi-Party Cabinet, just for political expediency and nothing else, and it is very sad.  Will we ever have this opportunity again in future, who knows!  I am reminded of the saying; "Make hay while the sun shines".  Now, we are losing this opportunity, Sir, to bring our people together, work together for the sake of our children and their children.  They are just doing it for political purposes.  They do not have the interest of this country at heart, which is the sad thing about it. 

            Sir, all of us must have the courage and fortitude to sacrifice our political career for the sake of this country.  Sadly, that is the other way around from the other side of the House.  To them, priority is their political career and survival.

            Sir, let me remind the honourable leader of the FLP and its members, you will never have another chance of leading this country, never!  I told you this in 2001 and I am telling you now (2006); never again will the people of this country give you the mantle of leadership.  You failed the nation in 2000, and you have been failing the nation since and we can talk about it forever.

            Sir, right now, we have the problem of the unresolved issue of land and we need some major amendments to the Constitution.  The two leaders had agreed to inter-party talks.  What has happened now, they have boycotted the talks for political purposes.  I call on the supporters of the FLP and members; change your leader if you want this country to progress!  Think of the people you are representing!  We are willing to sit down and resolve the land issue, but what your leader did - he boycotted!

            Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I thank you very much for the opportunity, and I hope that good sense will prevail on those of us in this House who are being tasked with the huge responsibility of moving this country forward.  Also, for those who are outside, hell-bent on moving this country backward.

            Sir, with those few words, I fully support the Bill before the House.

            MR. SPEAKER.- Honourable Members, that concludes our business for the day, and I wish you all a very relaxing weekend.  The House is adjourned until 9.30 a.m. on Monday, 20th November, 2006.

            The House is now adjourned.

            The House adjourned at 1.32pm.