Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has called for a review of Australia’s general budget support to Fiji, questioning how donor funds are being used by the Fijian government.
Speaking at the Climate Integrity Summit in Canberra, Narube raised concerns over the size of Fiji’s delegation to COP29 in Baku and the expansion of Cabinet, accusing the government of irresponsible spending.
“The question that I silently asked was this: Why would donors such as Australia agree to fund such excessive delegations? Is it a reward for good family behaviour?”
Narube criticised the government’s decision to increase Cabinet size from 26 to 35, highlighting additional costs in salaries and tax-free allowances.
“A parliament deciding how much to pay themselves is unethical and maybe illegal,” he said. “This self-serving prioritisation is irresponsible.”
Narube called for stricter conditions on Australian aid, saying,
“While recipients should continue to enjoy flexibility on how they spend the general budget support, policy triggers must be tightened to ensure donor funds are effectively used.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, has hit back, accusing Narube of attempting to sabotage the economy with baseless claims.
“Narube, who has failed miserably in two national elections, has reached a new low,” Prasad said in statement on Facebook.
“To suggest that Australia should review its budget support while lying about its use reveals his true character and his unworthiness to lead Fiji.”
Prasad clarified that Fiji’s delegation to COP29 consisted of 56 members—not the 100 claimed by Narube—at a total cost of $1.2 million, with 91% externally funded. The government, he said, only covered costs for five delegates, amounting to $238,739.77.
“External funding did not come from Australia alone. Multiple donors, agencies, and NGOs supported Fiji’s participation in critical negotiations,” he added.
Prasad also took a swipe at Narube’s past silence, pointing out that in 2017, Fiji’s previous government sent nearly 80 delegates to COP23, with millions spent on public relations.
“He never opened his mouth then. But now he insults Fiji, ridicules Australia, and attempts economic sabotage.”
Dismissing Narube’s claims as politically motivated, Prasad asserted that Australia’s support for Fiji was well-regulated and accountable.
“If Narube thinks squealing overseas will boost his political fortunes, he is daydreaming.”
Prasad emphasised Fiji’s gratitude towards Australia, its largest development partner, and dismissed Narube’s claims as an “insult to Australia and its taxpayers.”
“Australia and other donors don’t give budget support like a blank cheque,” he said.
“There are strict conditions and evaluations.”
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