[Source: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji/Facebook]
Members of parliament will keep the devices they were issued when they started their term, including mobile phones, laptops and iPads.
The measures are part of a motion passed in Parliament last night and are aimed at ensuring MPs have the tools they need to carry out their jobs effectively.
Remuneration Committee Chair Linda Tabuya also stressed the importance of these devices in enabling MPs to carry out their work efficiently.
She stressed that lawmakers have the right to keep these devices even after their terms end.
The motion also touches on allowances for key officials in parliament.
In recognition of the Speaker’s important role in presiding over Parliament in its absence, an annual allowance of $15,000 was approved for the Speaker.
The government affairs leader receives a $7,000 annual allowance for his role in coordinating government business during the legislative session.
The position of acting floor leader in the Assembly was approved with an annual allowance of $3,000.
Maternity leave for MPs has also been approved, a change aimed at encouraging more women to run for public office.
Linda Tabuya, Chair of the Compensation Committee [Source: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji/Facebook]
It was suggested that this leave should be instituted in line with national systems for such benefits.
Mr Tabuya also discussed proposed amendments to the Parliamentary Retirement Benefits Act, 1989.
The motion recommended several amendments to adapt the law to the changing economic and social conditions of the country.
This includes shortening the maximum years of service for retirement eligibility from 15 to 12 years, to align with the standard four-year term of Congress.
Other issues addressed in the motion included the issue of “duplicate payment,” spousal eligibility for retirement benefits, and the designation of retirement benefit administrators.
Mr Tabuya emphasised the need for clarity and fairness in the administration of severance pay and called for further discussion on certain aspects of the Act.