PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S BUDGET RESPONSE – 2025-2026 BUDGET ADDRESS

Honourable Speaker Sir,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ni sa Bula Vina’a.

I congratulate the chiefs and the people of Lau on the successful Installation of their chief, Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Nayau, Tui Lau ka Sau Ni Vanua ko Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
 
His Excellency The President, and the Government have also been honoured to have hosted the State Visit of their Majesties the Tu’i Tonga, King George Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, and I thank all Government and Vanua agencies for the proper protocol accorded to them.

We were also honoured to receive The Maori Queen, Te Arikiniu Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, who was also invited to attend the installation of the Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Nayau.

The Government is also pleased to have witnessed the successful and unobstructed installation of Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Vunivalu, Na Tui Kaba, and also congratulate the chiefs and the people of Bau and  Kubuna for that solemn occasion. We wish Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Vunivalu, Na Tui Kaba, a speedy and full recovery from his current ailment.
 
1. The National Situation:
Mr Speaker, Fiji is  at War!
I rise today not merely to contribute to the Budget Debate, but to declare war on Fiji’s No. 1 Enemy! My contribution is presented in the form of  a set of Orders to an Orders Group: comprising this Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, arms of the public service and our people. This is a call to war against persistent factors that have plagued our country for too long. I refer to the clutches of stagnation, poor work ethics, lethargy, underemployment, and underutilised potential.
 
The Budget Address by the Hon. Minister of Finance  supports the 2025 – 2026 Phase of our Mission given to us by our National Development Plan 2025 -2029 and Titled, “VISION 2050: Empowering the people of Fiji through Unity”  to reclaim our beloved Fiji. This is our Mission!
 
The enemy wears many uniforms: low GDP, a lack of industry and innovation, an underprepared workforce, declining morale, and unequal opportunity. These are the features of our enemy - POVERTY!
 
We inherited an economy marked by debt distress, weakened institutions, and a disempowered public service, further undermined by a pervasive lack of professional integrity and unethical practices in the civil service – characterised by inefficiency, and a culture of extravagance, resistance to accountability and reform.
 
The cost of poor leadership, politicised procurement, and overcentralisation of power has not only deepened inequality – it has robbed our people of creativity and trust. This enemy – poverty - is not abstract. It threatens livelihoods, dignity, and sovereignty.
 
Metaphorically, it is the mission of the Coalition Government, led by me as your Prime Minister, to reduce poverty, lift our economic growth (GDP), inject industry entrepreunership and innovation, boost workforce morale and improve opportunities to all our citizens, particularly to those segments of our societies deserving “evidence-based development imperative interventions”.
 
As your Prime Minister, I say to the enemy: Your days are numbered!

Ground:
The economic ground is undulating. Opportunities are unequal. The systems cumbersome. New legislations are needed, while some need to be either validated or repealed. This starts from the parent law.
 
Indigenous Fijians have been labelled resource rich but poor. We, the indigenous people, must refuse to accept this label. Indigenous Fijians receive:
-$100 million annually from TLTB on lease/royalties,
-$1.07 billion from remittances which is 80% of the total of $1.34 billion received,
An estimated $350 million from wages and salaries.
-The iTaukei Per Capita Resources and Landuse Income Survey Result given to me by iTLTB on the 9th of this month puts the figure at FJ$6,368.10 (Including Remittances Received) or FJ$4,562.23 (Excluding Remittances) and FJ$4,394.78 when Core Income Streams Only are considered.
-Across all Scenarios, Mr Speaker, the estimated GDP per Capita of the Itaukei population exceed the National Poverty Threshold of FJ$2,190 per annum (approximately FJ$6.00 per day).
 
We utilised these in the following general ways:
-$1.22 billion (or 80%) in supermarkets, rents, utilities and transport,
-$228 million (or 15%) on buildings, renovations or purchasing of our own houses,
-But only $72 million (or 5%) on savings and investments.
 
These figures and trends reflect not only the Resilience of these Income Sources, but also the Increasing Purchasing Power of the Itaukei in Fiji’s Economy.
                             
They affirm that the Itaukei GDP Per Capita is in good standing, however, to sustain and enhance this progress, and progress it must; it is imperative that strategic policies and new initiatives are implemented to further empower the Itaukei economically.
 
Focussed efforts in financial literacy, investment opportunities, and inclusive economic development will be central to unlocking long-term financial freedom, and national prosperity, unity and stability as the ‘Rock Base’ of our National Call for ‘The Pacific to be an Ocean of Peace’.

I acknowledge Mr Solomoni Nata, CEO of Itaukei Land Trust Board and the Fiji Indigenous Business Council Leadership for providing me with much of what I am opening with today.
 
To conquer poverty, we can, and we must be strategic in the way we use our resources. The longer-term prosperity,unity and stability must not be sacrificed for the short term gains.
 
At the very outset, I acknowledge with profound gratitude the reinforcements of our development partners whose support is indispensable to the work we do and the path we’re now taking
 
It would also be remiss of all of us to fail to recognise and acknowledge the great contributions of our Great Seafaring Forefathers who settled these islands, the European Navigators, Explorers and Discoverers who ‘found’ these islands and put them on the world map, the early Polynesian, Micronesian, European and Asian Chinese Free Traders who came and traded, bartered and settled in some areas of these islands.  
 
We thank the British Government of the Time and their Monarch for agreeing to accept the Cession of these Islands at the hands of Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau and other Ruling and Reigning Chiefs of the time, the Cession of these islands and their joint Sovereignty to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of England, the United Kingdom, and her other Realms on 10th October, 1874.
 
We acknowledge the great contribution of the Colonial Administrators who came to administer the new Colonial Government and train our Chiefs and people to succeed them, the Workers who came from India between 1879 and 1916 and the unmatched contributions they, with blood, toil and tears, made to the establishment of the colonial economy.
 
We acknowledge the sacrifice made by the British, American, Australian and New Zealand Forces who fought alongside our own Fiji Military Forces in the Two World Wars to ensure Fiji was never conquered.
 
The President of the United States sent Senator Jesse Jackson to represent him at Fiji’s 1970 Independence Celebration, and while watching the parade and all the cultural displays on the day, remarked, “You Fijians walk so tall and proud – you have never been subjected to slavery.”
 
2. Mission
Mr Speaker, our Mission is clear: Destroy poverty. Replace it with prosperity. Fortify Fiji with strong, educated, and ethical citizens. Streamline systems of delivery. Rebuild our nation to withstand any future shocks – be it economic, environmental, or geopolitical.
 
3. Execution
3.1 General Outline: The Government Battle Group will launch multi-pronged coordinated and simultaneous sectoral assaults through combined Ministries and sector operations working in unison under the National Development Plan to eliminate POVERTY. New fronts will be opened through infrastructure – roads, ports, bridges, services - and markets.  
 
The Budget gives us the firepower! Our government provides the leadership and drives the delivery – and the people of this nation give us the mandate!
 
3.2 Grouping and Tasks:
Allocation of tasks and resources, Mr Speaker, are critical to mission accomplishment.  But this Government had to first chart its path, to navigate with purpose, guided by the realities facing our people, their aspirations, and the obstacles we must overcome. We are moving with strategically, and with intention, with conviction.
 
A. Foreign Affairs
Mister Speaker Sir, I welcome the allocation of $51 million to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs–that signals our intent for strategic investment- in making Fiji’s voice stronger, our reach broader, and our partnerships deeper in the bilateral and multilateral fora. Our foreign service is no longer just a symbol – it’s a driver of opportunities.
 
I must see our diplomats bring back the return on investment that will benefit our people.
 
Mister Speaker Sir, this is not diplomacy for show. This is diplomacy for the people – and I give marching orders to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step out of the box, to open doors, to promote our interests, and to ensure that wherever regional and global decisions are made, Fiji has a seat at the table and a voice that cannot be ignored.
 
B. Civil Service
Mister Speaker Sir, I welcome the funding under the Ministry of Civil Service –the engine room of Government service delivery, the frontline of public trust.
 
With an allocation of $62.02 million, we are no longer making minor adjustments or cosmetic reforms. We are launching a full-scale transformation of how the civil service operates – to raise professional standards, restore morale, improve work ethics and enforce accountability.
 
Let me be very clear, Mister Speaker, Sir, as Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service, I will emphasise unequivocally that every public servant must serve with honour, diligence, and discipline. The people of Fiji deserve a civil service that works — and works well.
 
From August 1st, all civil servants will receive a 3% pay rise, injecting over $30 million into households across the country, to offset rising cost of living (COLA) and provide a benchmark to a new minimum wage rate.
 
Mister Speaker, Sir, for Permanent Secretary (PS) positions, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is also strengthening its retention of competent, hardworking PSs. With the recommendation of the PSC, we have agreed that all PSs be placed on initial four-year contract subject to extensions and or renewals based on good performance and achievement of KPIs.
 
Mister Speaker Sir, the mission is clear: a modern, capable, responsive, and resilient civil service that serves all Fijians — fairly, efficiently, and with pride for the long term. With every reward, must come responsibility!

C. Public Enterprises
Mister Speaker Sir, the Ministry of Public Enterprises has been provided a budget of $10.33 million. This Ministry holds the line on transparency, accountability, and value for money— and let me be clear: the days of underperforming State-Owned Enterprises are over.
From this day forward, every State-Owned Enterprise must deliver.
 
Therefore, Mister Speaker Sir, every SOE will be held to strict KPIs for both service delivery and financial return. No exceptions.
 
Where strategic partnerships make sense, we will pursue Public-Private Partnerships, but never at the expense of Fiji’s national interest or sovereignty. Any divestment of government shares in key Public Enterprises will be strategically managed with the objective of strengthening societal gains and benefits to the people of Fiji.
 
This is not about managing decline — it is about engineering a revival.
 
Public enterprises need to operate commercially, generate profit, and channelling earnings back into sectors that matter most — health, education, infrastructure, and social protection.

While profit making is important, enhancing societal welfare and gains are equally crucial for our long-term nation building and sustainable development.
 
The mission is clear: public enterprises must serve the public good, perform commercially, and drive the next chapter of Fiji’s economic transformation.
 
D. Ministry of Information
Mister Speaker Sir, no nation can win a war in darkness — and Fiji is no exception. Our fight against poverty, misinformation, and disengagement demands that every Fijian be fully informed.
 
This year, the Ministry of Information takes on a revitalised, strategic role as the frontline communicator of government action and public accountability. With a budget of $11 million, we are modernising how Government speaks to its people — not just to announce, but to connect, engage, and empower.
 
I issue this directive to the Ministry and all its partners: misinformation must be countered, facts must prevail, and the public must never be left in the dark again.
 
Mister Speaker Sir, we are not only looking forward — we are also safeguarding the past.
 
With $1.38 million in funding, the National Archives of Fiji is undergoing long-overdue digitisation, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce development to preserve the memory of our people and protect our national identity.

These are duties of a confident and sovereign state to better inform our citizens, proud of their history and confident in their future, are the foundation of national resilience.
 
E. Office of the Prime Minister
Mister Speaker Sir, I now turn to the operations of my office – the Office of the Prime Minister, and I welcome the allocation of $8.7 million.
 
It is within this Office that the pulse of Government leadership is strongest – the place where all agencies, Ministries come together and work collaboratively towards this mission.
 
Mister Speaker Sir, we will not govern from a distance — we will lead from the front, shoulder-to-shoulder with our citizens.
 
4. Administration & Logistics
Constitution and Governance
Mister Speaker Sir, under my leadership, we uphold the Constitution — not as a dusty legal text, but as a living compass. It is the highest law of our land, a reflection of who we are, what we value, and what we aim to become.
 
As Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, I take seriously the responsibility to preserve our institutions’ independence while ensuring those entrusted with national responsibility serve with integrity, not self-interest. We must never allow governance to become disconnected from the people it serves.
 
Mister Speaker Sir, while governance is collective, responsibility is singular.
 
I respect the autonomy of boards, commissions, and ministries — but to all who lead within government: The Buck Stops Here. We operate on the principles of unity of command, clarity of purpose, and responsiveness to the people.
 
I remain committed to ensuring that every regulation, every appointment, and every action taken under my charge is aligned with public good, transparency, and service delivery.
 
Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Coalition Government has taken on the difficult but necessary task of reforming a neglected legislative landscape.

We are modernising governance, updating outdated frameworks, and crafting legislation that matches the demands of today and the aspirations of tomorrow.
 
It’s not merely about technical improvements — it’s about restoring faith in our institutions.
 
To our people, and to this Honourable House, I say this: We are each a battalion in this national campaign. The Government cannot do it alone. We need every Fijian on the frontline.
 
So I urge you all to do your part: From rural settlements to urban centres, from the frontline ministries to the furthest islands, every Fijian has a role to play. This Budget is our battle plan — designed not just to survive, but to thrive.
 
Your Coalition Government has shaped this response not in theory, but in practical service to the people — to meet their immediate needs, restore their dignity, and secure a better future.
 
Let us remember: Fiji has faced storms before. And every time, we rise. Let us rise with courage and clarity. And most of all — let us rise together. For our people. For our children. For our beloved Fiji.
 
This is not a time for apathy. This is not a time for partisanship. This is a time for action!
Let the history books record that in 2025, Fiji rallied to a powerful and  strong call — and won.
 
Not with tanks, but with teamwork. Not with guns, but with good governance. Not with fear, but with faith.
 
Let us move Fiji forward with determination and grit. Together we can do it!
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I commend the 2025–2026 Budget to this August House.
 
Vina’a va'alevu. May God bless you, and may God bless FijI.