Media Industry Development and WAF Bills tabled in parliament for debate later this week

Two more bills – Media Industry Development Budget Amendment Bill and Water Authority of Fiji Budget Amendment Bill have been tabled in parliament by the Attorney General today, and the proposed laws must pass through one stage of a single sitting of parliament and must not be referred to a Standing Committee.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also says the time for the debate be limited to ensure that the bills tabled are debated and voted upon during this week’s sitting of parliament.

He says this is part of the budget streamlining processes, fixing up numerous laws and bureaucracies.

SODELPA Leader, Viliame Gavoka says the week is already congested with the budget debate and debate on the consequential bills.

He says this is unforgivable as bills are just being brought in and to be passed this week.

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau stresses that the time is dictated by him and there will be time to debate the 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 Speaker.

Apart from the debate on the budget and consequential bills, a Bill for an Act to repeal the Television (Cross-Carriage of Designated Events) Act 2014, Bill for an Act to amend the Telecommunications Act 2008, Bill for an Act to amend the Illicit 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 were tabled yesterday for debate this week.