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The independence of the Great Council of Chiefs is under pressure.

Opposition MP Jone Usamate warned that increased government funding could invite influence over a body meant to remain autonomous.

Usamate told Parliament that the iTaukei Trust Fund was created to protect that independence. He says shifting financial reliance back to the government weakens that safeguard.

Funding, Usamate warns, often comes with expectations.

That fault line runs through the review of the 2022–2023 Annual Report. The Ministry is pushing reforms, but remains dependent on state funding.

It is trying to digitise sensitive records, expand programs, and improve governance with limited financial certainty.

Committee Chair Iliesa Vanawalu acknowledges progress in cultural preservation and policy reform. However, he points to ongoing strain in funding, systems, and capacity.

He calls for a dedicated trust fund linked to Vola ni Kawa Bula revenue.

He said this would reduce reliance on the national budget and support long-term planning.

The digitisation of the Vola ni Kawa Bula carries high stakes. The record defines identity, land ownership, and social structure. Any breach would have serious consequences.

The Ministry says it is working with the Digital Government Transformation Office to build a secure platform. It is also upgrading equipment to protect records. Still, the move exposes gaps in cybersecurity and technical capacity.

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu shifts focus to governance failures. He states that many projects fail due to weak community engagement. He argued that people are often not ready or involved early. He also rejects one-size-fits-all policies. He says local conditions vary and require tailored solutions.

The report highlights pressure on land dispute systems. Demand for mediation is rising, but funding is limited. This risks delays and prolonged disputes. The Ministry states it will push for higher budget allocations. This, however, reinforces its dependence on government funding cycles.

Institutional roles remain blurred. The iTaukei Trust Fund is meant to finance the Great Council of Chiefs. The Ministry still plays a broad oversight role. Usamate’s warning points to the risk of overlap. When funding lines blur, governance can weaken.

Cultural protection laws remain outdated. The long-delayed bill on traditional knowledge has not yet been passed. This leaves indigenous intellectual property exposed. The Ministry said it was working with the Solicitor-General to finalise it. The delay reflects slow policy execution.

Economic pressure is also growing. Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka links culture directly to tourism.

He states that sites like Levuka are key national assets. Underinvestment, he warns, limits cultural and economic returns. He called for a stronger partnership to restore and develop such sites.

Parliament has endorsed the report.