The Minister for Economy says there are a lot of initiatives in the National Budget that will build strong families.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made this statement at the National Budget Roadshow at Rishikul Sanatan College after Nasinu resident, Emosi Matanababa said that in plain view, the budget is all sunshine and roses but it does not have any support for families.
Matanababa had also said at the Budget Roadshow session at USP earlier in the week that he is working as a security guard and is being paid $2.68 per hour.
He was calling for an increase in the Minimum Wage Rate.
Sayed-Khaiyum had then asked him to give him the security company’s name because the Minimum Wage Rate of $2.68 is only for unskilled workers as the minimum wages for security guards is much higher.
They are covered under the Security Sector of the Wages Councils.
The Attorney General raised the issue with Matanababa that he did not give the company’s name so that the matter can be dealt with.
Sayed-Khaiyum says it is important to note that while Matanababa says there is nothing for families in the budget, he is working and also studying under the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme.
Sayed-Khaiyum then questioned Matanababa whether he was trying to tell him that the increase in maternity leave, introduction of paternity leave, introduction of family care leave, assisting families to send their children to universities through TELS and Toppers, free bus fare and school fees and the free general practitioner system, are nothing for families.
He says all these things are an indirect way of building strong families.
