Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau today warned members of Parliament of a possible breach of privilege.

The Speaker says an unauthorized release of information from the Standing Orders Committee was released on social media.

“It may be considered a matter of breach of privilege for deliberations of a committee held in camp and the committee’s draft or final reports to be released before they are tabled in this house and become public documents.”

Ratu Epeli clarified the process that needs to be followed and initiated a verbal warning to all members.

“Honorable members, it is right and only fitting that you as honorable members receive committee reports first and do not learn about them and their recommendations through the media and social media. I am deeply disappointed that this has happened and I trust that it will never happen again.”

FBC News understands that documents from the committee in question were released on social media yesterday which are in relation to the agenda for today’s standing orders.