The 2015 National Budget address has been delayed as the opposition had asked the Speaker of Parliament, Doctor Jiko Luveni to rule on a procedural matter.
Just before the Finance Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s budget address, Opposition Whip, Ratu Isoa Tikoca said that the Parliamentary Standing Orders do not authorize parliament to table the Appropriation Bill (National Budget) with any consequential bills.
Tikoca said the only documents that are to be tabled are the Appropriation Bill and the estimates.
He said nowhere in the Standing Orders or the constitution does it say that the Appropriation Bill should be accompanied with any consequential bills.
Doctor Luveni has just come back and said that she does not agree with the point of order.
She ruled that the address can proceed and there are no consequential bills.
She also said that no consequential bills will be allowed past the first parliamentary reading.
The Budget address will commence this hour.
Stay with us for continuous coverage of the 2015 National Budget.
We will have an analysis of the budget and reactions from people.
We will also let you know how the increases and decreases in duties and taxes will affect your pockets.
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