Dialogue Fiji: 2025–26 Budget Responds to People’s Priorities

Dialogue Fiji has welcomed the Government’s 2025–2026 National Budget, stating that it is largely responsive to the priorities and concerns of ordinary Fijians, as reflected in the organisation’s Budget Priorities Survey conducted in April this year.

In a statement released today, Dialogue Fiji commended the Government for taking into account the voices of citizens, especially in addressing the top three concerns identified by the public — the cost of living, crime and security, and access to healthcare.

“Dialogue Fiji appreciates and commends the Government for being attentive to the needs and sentiments of everyday citizens,” the organisation said.

The reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 12.5 percent was noted as a key policy move that directly addresses the cost of living, which 76.6 percent of survey respondents ranked as their highest priority.

Dialogue Fiji also acknowledged the budgetary provisions for public safety. The organisation pointed to survey findings showing that 36.9 percent of Fijians listed crime and personal security among their top three concerns, with 62 percent describing it as “extremely serious.” In response, the Government’s plan to recruit an additional 1,000 police officers, bringing the total strength of the Fiji Police Force to over 6,550, was seen as a positive step towards addressing public concerns around safety and law enforcement.

In the health sector, Dialogue Fiji welcomed the record allocation of over FJD 600 million, which includes FJD 466 million dedicated to salaries, medicine procurement, biomedical equipment, and health facility upgrades. The organisation noted that 64.3 percent of respondents identified access to reliable health services and a steady supply of essential medicines as a major challenge.

“While this funding represents a significant step forward, Dialogue Fiji urges the Ministry of Health to strengthen its procurement systems to ensure essential medical items remain consistently in stock,” the statement said.