Qereqeretabua asks which allocation is being used by the AG’s Chambers to pay R Patel Lawyers

National Federation Party MP Lenora Qereqeretabua has questioned which allocation the Office of the Attorney General is using to pay R.Patel Lawyers for legal representation.

The Attorney General’s Chambers has been allocated $5.2 million in the 2022/2023 National Budget which includes $3.3 million to pay for the staff.

After being asked by Qereqeretabua, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the $3.3 million funds the salaries of 80 established positions, of which 71 are filled.

Sayed-Khaiyum says these are lawyers and other staff as well.

Qereqeretabua says she asked the question because almost all legal cases involving the Government is being handled by R.Patel Lawyers, specifically Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima.

She says there should be enough experience in the Solicitor General’s Chambers which the taxpayers pay for.

Qereqeretabua says the same law firm has represented the FijiFirst.