Bringing Community Voices into Budget Planning
The Government of Timor-Leste is strengthening inclusive governance by making its budget planning process more participatory through a nationwide citizen consultation. The initiative, which began in 2023, has brought together diverse community representatives, including people with disabilities, youth, women, veterans, suco chiefs, and other local leaders to share their priorities and directly contribute to the formulation of the 2026 General State Budget.
Francisca Soares, Chief of Soba Village is having a meeting with her community
Francisca Soares, Chief of Soba Village in Laga Administrative Post, Baucau Municipality, described this year’s consultation as more transparent and engaging than in previous years.
“Previously, our proposals were submitted only to the Municipal Coordination Council. This year, ministries came directly, sharing how we could align our community plans with national priorities. We heard from each ministry about their activities and how our voices could shape the national agenda” she said.
Tomas Gusmão, Advocacy Officer at Katilosa, an organisation supporting people with disabilities, also welcomed the opportunity: “I’m happy that people with disabilities were invited. It allowed us to raise our concerns and share the realities we face” he said.
During the one-day consultation, Francisca and Tomas presented key priorities from their communities. Francisca highlighted the urgent need to rehabilitate a deteriorating bridge connecting Baucau town to Laga, built during the Indonesian era. Tomas called for better accessibility infrastructure, such as ramps in health centres, schools, and village offices.
Tomas Gusmão, Advocacy Officer at Katilosa, an organisation that supports people with disabilities, based in Baucau
Tomas shared the priorities that need to be addressed for people with disabilities during the group discussion at the citizen consultation
The feedback gathered is being compiled into a national report to inform the 2026 Budget and support evidence-based decision-making.
This inclusive process was led by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), in collaboration with the Ministry of State Administration and six key line ministries, with strong technical support from Australia’s PROSIVU and PARTISIPA programs. PROSIVU introduced a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and focus group discussions. PROSIVU also helped develop standard tools, supported data analysis, and contributed to drafting the final report. Furthermore, PROSIVU and PARTISIPA helped coordinate ministerial collaboration and build the capacity of MoF officials and municipal facilitators. Amilton Lemos, National Director for Planning of MoF, affirmed: “PROSIVU’s support has been truly significant and vital to ensuring the quality and alignment of this consultation process.”