National Budget consultation starts this Thursday

The Ministry of Finance has announced a series of face-to-face public consultations in the lead-up to the formulation of the 2025-2026 National Budget, with the first session starting this Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad is inviting all citizens to take part in the consultations, which is an essential platform for Fijians to have their voices heard.

He says these consultations are a key part of how they build an inclusive and people-centered budget.

The consultations will be held across the Central, Western and Northern divisions which are as follows:

•Thursday, 10 April – Rishikul School Hall, Nasinu (6–8pm)

•Friday, 11 April – SAFE PG Lecture Theatre, Laucala Campus, USP, Suva (6–8pm)

•Tuesday, 22 April – Korovuto College Hall, Nadi (6–8pm)

•Wednesday, 23 April – Girmit Centre, Lautoka (6–8pm)

•Friday, 25 April – Yaroi Village Hall, Savusavu (9am–12:30pm)

•Friday, 25 April – Dreketi Central College Hall, Dreketi (4–6:30pm)

•Saturday, 26 April – Seaqaqa Sanatan Hall, Labasa (4:30–6:30pm)

The Ministry is also accepting written submissions, which can be posted, hand-delivered or emailed no later than Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

They add that submissions can be sent by post to the Ministry at P.O. Box 2212, Government Buildings, Suva, or hand-delivered to Level 10, Ro Lalabalavu House, Victoria Parade, Suva. Submissions can also be emailed to budgetsubmission@finance.gov.fj. For further information or clarification, members of the public can contact the Head of Fiscal Policy, Research and Analysis Division, on 3221223 or 9925848, or by email at munesh.deo@finance.gov.fj.Munesh Deo.

Professor Prasad encourages people from all walks of life including youth, women, the private sector, and civil society organizations to participate and contribute ideas that will help shape a stronger and more resilient Fiji.