Two other Bills – the Media Industry Development Budget Amendment Bill and the Fiji Water Authority Budget Amendment Bill have been introduced in Parliament by the Attorney General today, and proposed laws must go through a one sitting stage of parliament and not be referred to a standing committee.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also said debate time would be limited to ensure that bills tabled are debated and voted on during this week’s parliamentary session.
He says it is part of budget rationalization processes, fixing many laws and bureaucracies.
The head of SODELPA, Viliame Gavoka, said the week was already crowded with the budget debate and the debate on consequential bills.
He says it’s unforgivable because the bills have just been tabled and are due to pass this week.
Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau stresses that the time is dictated by him and there will be time to debate bills. He also told Gavoka to make sure he is in parliament.
Sayed-Khaiyum says there is no time limit and the time will be determined by the President.
In addition to the budget debate and consequential bills, a bill to repeal the Television (Transmission of Designated Events) Act 2014, a bill to amend the Telecommunications Act 2008, a bill amending the Unlawful Drugs Control Act 2004, Bill for an Act to amend the Fiji National Provident Fund Act 2011, Bill for an Act to amend the Pharmacy Profession Act 2011 and Bill for an Act to amend the Medicinal Products Act 2011 have tabled yesterday for debate this week.
