Public Input Drives Budget Planning in Nadi and Lautoka

Fijians in the Western Division came out in force this week to help shape the 2025–2026 National Budget.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad led a public consultation at Korovuto College Hall in Nadi, where community leaders, farmers, business owners, and students raised issues from Non-Communicable Diseases and the new $5 minimum wage to rural road safety and brain-drain incentives.

“This is your budget. We are here to listen,” Professor Prasad told attendees.

He then met key stakeholders at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka for a focused discussion on the sugar and agriculture sectors.

Participants emphasised the need for targeted investment, climate resilience measures, and upskilling programmes