Fijians in the Western Division had the opportunity to share their opinions this week during a public consultation session at Korovuto College Hall in Nadi, as part of the process for the 2025-2026 National Budget. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, facilitated the session, promoting open dialogue between citizens and government officials. The event attracted a diverse crowd of community leaders, farmers, business owners, and students who were keen to voice their concerns and suggestions.
“This is your budget. We are here to listen,” emphasized DPM Prasad, reiterating the government’s dedication to inclusive policy-making. Attendees raised several issues of importance, including the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), increasing living costs, rural infrastructure problems, and youth unemployment challenges. Prasad assured participants that the government is actively working to strengthen public health infrastructure and promote preventative health programs to address these concerns.
A topic of significant discussion was the recent increase of Fiji’s minimum wage to $5 per hour. While participants acknowledged this step, they also expressed worries about the sufficiency of this increase and highlighted the urgent need for improved rural road infrastructure, particularly in Tunalia, which impacts school transportation. DPM Prasad acknowledged these infrastructural challenges, noting that the government is committed to stabilizing the economy through fiscal reforms and that they are beginning to see positive results, such as increased revenue and reduced debt.
Prasad called for the continued participation of citizens, advocating that public input plays a vital role in shaping the upcoming budget. “This is real democracy—when people are free to speak, to question, and to help shape government policy,” he stated.
The consultation at Korovuto is part of a nationwide series aimed at gathering public feedback before the budget is tabled in Parliament on June 27. The next consultation is scheduled for the Girmit Centre in Lautoka on April 23, inviting further community engagement in the budgetary process.
This proactive approach not only fosters transparency but also builds a stronger connection between the government and its citizens. As each voice contributes to the national dialogue, there lies a hopeful potential for policies that meaningfully address the needs of the people, paving the way for a brighter future for Fiji.
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