Government officials, including ministers and assistants, undertook a total of 147 official trips from April 1, 2024, to April 20, 2025, costing taxpayers nearly $1.9 million. This information was disclosed in response to a parliamentary question by Opposition MP Premila Kumar, which sought detailed reports on the official travels, including expenses and purposes.
The Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, had the most expensive trip, spending $108,117 on a 40-day Fiji Peacekeeping Inspection Tour that included destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Additionally, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka accounted for multiple trips, including a $90,452 visit to the National Prayer Breakfast in the United States and the Munich Security Conference, and another trip costing $58,008 to meet King Charles in the UK.
Other notable expenses involved Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, who spent $60,863 attending the International Labor Conference in Switzerland, and Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, who incurred costs of $58,771 for attending meetings in Azerbaijan and the UK.
Interestingly, $282,000 of the total costs was classified as partial funding, indicating that some expenses were matched by other sources.
This report surfaces amid ongoing discussions regarding the government’s budgeting and expenditure priorities, especially in the context of economic struggles faced by the Fijian populace. Previous analyses have raised concerns about lavish government spending habits in light of Fiji’s reliance on international aid and budget support, particularly from countries like Australia and New Zealand.
As the government aims to balance external relations and domestic responsibilities, these expenses underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Striking a balance between necessary international diplomacy and fiscal responsibility remains crucial as Fiji navigates its economic landscape.
In light of these expenditures, it is hoped that future travel will focus not only on fostering international relations but also on yielding tangible benefits for the Fijian people, contributing to sustainable development and community welfare.
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