The Deputy Prime Minister responded to a proposal to exempt the Heads of State from paying income tax, stating that the government would need to assess current laws. 

Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, who is also the Minister for Customs and Revenue [M.C.R.], addressed the issue during discussions on the 2024-2025 National Budget. 

He acknowledged the suggestion but emphasised that any decision would require a thorough review of existing legislation. 

Tuala pointed out that the proposal had sparked significant division and debate within and outside of parliament, noting that the previous administration had amended laws to remove tax exemptions for Heads of State and church ministers. 

He reminded the opposition members as the call came from the opposing bench, that they had been responsible for these amendments and highlighted that the current government would carefully consider the suggestion.

"You were the ones who initiated the amendments and proposed exempting the Head of State and church ministers from taxation," Tuala said.  

However, he acknowledged, "We've taken note of the suggestion. The Prime Minister, Cabinet, and our government have heard it, and we will explore the appropriate course of action."

A senior Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the ruling party, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, expressed his views on the suggestion during an interview on the Soalepule this week. 

La’auli was straightforward in his comments, echoing sentiments similar to those expressed by Tuala in parliament. 

He pointed out that the Head of State and members of the clergy did not pay income until the amendments introduced by the former administration obliging church ministers and the Head of State to pay tax.

La’auli emphasised that the Head of State, being on the civil list and paid for by the government, should be subject to pay income tax like any other individual on the civil list. He contrasted this with church ministers and clergy members who are not government employees and thus have a different tax status.