The Leader of the National Federation Party Biman Prasad has today stated that he does not support the 2016 National Budget although he supports the reduction of VAT from 15 percent to 9 percent.
While delivering his formal response as the Shadow Finance Minister in parliament today, Prasad says he cannot understand the confusing policies of the government.
Prasad raised concern on why the business houses were lectured by Finance Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
He also raised the question on why supermarket cash registers have to be connected to a Fiji Revenue Customs Authority system.
The NFP Leader says they are happy with the VAT reduction which the NFP promised in last year’s election.
Prasad says if the Government will now remove the VAT exemption on basic food items, kerosene and prescription drugs from January 1st next year, it should ensure that the poorest 60,000 households in Fiji receive compensating cash benefits.
He also asked for the reversal of the increase in Service Turnover Tax and the imposition of the environmental levy to make up the shortfall in revenue, and protect the competitiveness of our tourism industry and the jobs it creates.
He also asked for the termination of the services of Qorvis Communications immediately and save a few million dollars, decide upon a strategy to save the sugar industry and review the budget for the Fiji Roads Authority and audit the work done for the last five years.
