A Unity Fiji govt will extend free education to tertiary students - Narube

A Unity Fiji government will introduce a multi-tier minimum wage structure for unskilled workers starting at $4 during their first 100 days in government.

This was said by Unity Fiji Party Leader Savenaca Narube during the launch of their manifesto today.

Narube says that the $4 wage rate will then be increased to $5 depending on the age of the business, number of employees and turnover.

When questioned by Fijivillage in relation to the recent comments by the Textile Clothing and Footwear Industry Council of Fiji that if the minimum wage rate is increased to $4, $5 or even $10 there will be 7000 job losses, Narube says that he understands where they are coming from.

Narube says that they will remove wastage.

The Unity Fiji manifesto also states that they will remove the Tertiary Loan Scheme and write off loans under existing TELS once students serve in Fiji for more than 3 years.

Narube says that they will introduce free education for tertiary students.

The Unity Fiji manifesto also says that Unity Fiji will continue the free bus fare and school fees programs however they will reintroduce the use of cash for bus fares.

Meanwhile the party says it will make the iTaukei Land Trust Board independent from government, they will raise the price of cane to $110 per tonne and introduce a monthly cane payment system to farmers.

Other issues in the Unity Fiji manifesto includes building an alternative interior road between Suva to Lautoka and open-up these areas to commerce.

They say they will waive import duties on essential housing materials, waive the capital gains taxes and stamp duties, provide free kidney dialysis to those earning less than $100 per week while $70 for those whose income is above the reasonable threshold.

Unity Fiji says a number of current government initiatives including some support for the disadvantaged and poor will be retained by a Unity Fiji government.

It is also highlighted in their manifesto that they will bring back the Senate and establish the Great Council of Chiefs as they will also restore elections in the municipal councils.

Unity Fiji will increase the retirement age to 65 and from age 55 civil servants will be employed through contracts.

Narube says that they will remove contracts for civil servants except the top three tiers.