The Opposition wants the National Government to give them enough time to research and debate before the passage of the 2017 National Budget next week.
That was raised this morning in Parliament by Sinasina-Yonggumgl MP Kerenga Kua.
“I was hoping that the 2017 Budget will be introduced this week to allow Opposition at least one week to look at the volumes of numbers and justification that goes with it,” Kua said during Question Time.
“The volumes are (very) thick and we need time to look at it to make a sensible reply, but unfortunately it was not introduced this week, so could the Treasurer give us the assurance that when he introduces it next week, we will have seven days to look at the submission to make a sensible reply so that we can verify the sensibility of the Budget so we can pass it,” Kua said.
Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch assured Parliament that the Government will not use its numerical strength to bulldoze the passing of the country’s money plan.
“Yes, I can assure the honourable Member and the House that when the Budget is introduced, once introduced as the tradition prevails, we will give ample time to the Opposition to make a Budget reply,” Pruaitch replied.
Picture: Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch responding to Sinasina Yonggumgl MP Kerenga Kua in Parliament today. Picture by Kennedy Bani.