The recent expansion of Fiji’s cabinet is expected to cost the government $2 million, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said, adding that the amount would be sourced from within the 2024-2025 budget without impacting existing projects or programs.
Speaking to the media in Suva today, Professor Biman said the cost of the expansion of including new ministers and assistant ministers from the Opposition “G9” group, ranges between $1.7 million and $2 million, depending on specific ministerial needs.
“For example, the Ministry of Climate Change already has a PS, [and] an office, so the cost there will be the increase in salary from an MP to a cabinet minister – a difference of about $100K plus additional vehicles,” Professor Biman said. “Some people were saying it will cost around $5 million or $6 million – I think the maximum we are looking at is about $2 million.
“This is part of the government’s reorganisation,” he said. “Of course there is some additional costs, and as the PM said it will be sourced from within the budget.
The cabinet expansion assigns three G9 members to ministerial roles: Ioane Naivalurua as Minister for Policing, Viliame Naupoto as Minister for Immigration, and Mosese Bulitavu as Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Four others were appointed as assistant ministers: Naisa Tuinaceva (Public Works and Transport), Aliki Bia (Information), Ratu Josaia Niudamu (Justice), and Penioni Ravunawa (Health and Medical Services)
Professor Biman assured the public that the additional expenditure would not disrupt ongoing projects or programs.
“These are capital expenditures that have already been allocated,” he said. “We always have contingencies in place, and we can always redeploy funds from one ministry to another… as provided under the Financial Management Act.”
Savings from other areas of government operations, including reduced travel allowances, are also being utilised to mitigate the costs.
The cabinet expansion, announced in Suva 10 days ago, was met with mixed reactions, with some critics welcoming the move while others felt that the funds could be better utilised elsewhere. The finance minister reiterated that the costs fall well within the limits of the current budget.
“We are not looking at a huge or an exorbitant amount. There will be some additional costs, but that is always budgeted for as contingencies under head 50, and in the ministries themselves.”
