Intensifying the rebuilding effort after Tropical Cyclone Winston and developing enduring climate-change mitigation measures will be the top priorities of the 2016-17 National Budget, says Attorney General and Minister for Finance, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

He said the 2016-17 Budget had been preceded by an unprecedented period of public consultations and another principal area of spending was to empower ordinary Fijians from all walks of life.

Public consultations were held in Labasa and Lautoka and were attended by NGOs, the business community, civil society and education institutions.

“We also, for the first time in Fiji’s history, have held specific and direct consultations with people living with disabilities and with high school students.”

“We have been able to talk about budget processes and they have appreciated the balancing act Government must undertake to use financial resources appropriately. Through these consultations, disabled persons and high school students have had direct input on the inclusive budget consultations,” he said.

For the first time, sign language will be used during the Minister’s speech to explain the Budget to hearing-impaired Fijians who will be watching the address live on television.

The National Budget address commences in Parliament at 7.30pm.

By Reginald Chandar