Fiji Council of Social Services warns against January budget shift

A proposed return to a January–December fiscal cycle threatens disaster response, infrastructure delivery, and community resilience nationwide, the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has warned.

FCOSS president Sepesa Rasili said the proposed budget shift ignored Fiji’s seasonal realities and put vulnerable communities at risk.

Mr Rasili, who is also a member of the National Disaster Risk Financing Policy Steering Committee, said the issue went far beyond accounting dates.

“For the communities we serve, it risks lives and livelihoods by ignoring the seasonal realities of our nation,” he said.

Mr Rasili warned that a January budget start would split the cyclone season, creating delays and uncertainty when disasters strike late in the year.

“When a community is hit by a cyclone in December, they should not have to worry about whether the Government’s old budget has run dry or whether they must wait for the new budget to be activated in January.”

He raised concerns about reduced Government efficiency during the year‑end period, stating that the machinery of Government often slows in November and December.

“Communities cannot afford to wait for the Government to wake up from its holiday slumber if a disaster is unfolding on our shores.”

Mr Rasili said repeated financial realignments risk undermining community‑led climate and disaster policies, creating delays in delivering essential protections.

Infrastructure delivery was another concern, with funds potentially released during peak rainfall months, leading to wasted public funds, broken promises, and compromised quality.

“While this may appear to be a simple change of dates for some, FCOSS’s position is that the national budget is not a purely accounting exercise and should not be treated as such; it is a lifeline to communities and people,” he said.

Mr Rasili urged decision‑makers to respect “the rhythm of our islands” and ensure that Government is strongest when citizens are most vulnerable.

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