The National Council for Building a Better Fiji is yet to confirm whether five overseas consultants hired to assist in the formulation of the People's Charter receive between 90 to 190 thousand dollars.
Reports have emerged stating that these five consultants' salaries are part of the $2.4m budgeted for the work of the National council this year.
Head of the Technical Support Secretariat of the National Council, John Samy said he cannot make any comments at this stage on these reports as the Co-Chairs of the National Council, Commodore Frank Bainimarama and Archbishop Petero Mataca will decide on whether to make a statement.
Samy had earlier indicated that he receives one third of his normal consultancy rate and he had also provided his services free of charge when preparatory work began on the setting up of the National Council and the People's Charter process.
The Co-Chairs meet with Samy today.
Meanwhile, NCBBF member and a Co-Chair of a Working Group in the NCBBF, Ratu Josateki Nawalowalo said people should look at the bigger picture rather than concentrating on how much tax dollars is spent on the salaries.
Nawalowalo said the aim should now be to get the Charter process on track. He said questions being raised about transparency in relation to the Charter process were short sighted.
However, ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase said since taxpayers funds were involved, the National Council should reveal how the money was being spent.
FijiVillage has spoken to John Swamy and will bring you updates.
NCBBF yet to confirm consultants’ pay
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