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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 5th, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and was briefed by Inês Maria de Almeida, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia, on the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) programme, focusing on Timorese workers’ participation and prospects for its future development. The presentation highlighted PALM’s importance as a tool for creating employment opportunities, developing professional skills, and strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia, as well as the bilateral commitment to increase the number of Timorese workers participating in the programme to 10,000 by 2028.
Data was also presented on the participation of Timorese workers in the PALM Program, as well as on the main issues and complaints reported regarding their working conditions and well-being. The presentation identified the challenges that persist in implementing the program, particularly in protecting workers’ rights, strengthening institutional coordination, and valuing the skills acquired, while highlighting the benefits that PALM provides to the Australian economy by addressing labour needs in various sectors. The importance of deepening bilateral cooperation was also highlighted, in order to ensure fair working conditions and maximise the programme’s economic and social benefits for both countries.
The Council of Ministers also took note of a set of recommendations to strengthen Timor-Leste’s position within the PALM Program, including strengthening coordination among national institutions, recognising the skills acquired by workers abroad, diversifying employment opportunities in new sectors of activity, and promoting a coordinated national approach to relations with Australian authorities, with a view to ensuring that the programme continues to develop within a framework of mutually beneficial partnership.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Civil Service Commission, which sets the number of vacancies for the promotion of personnel in the Public Administration’s General Career Track in 2026.
This Government Resolution establishes, for the year 2026, a total of 276 promotion openings for employees in the general civil service career track, representing five per cent of the total number of employees eligible for promotion at each professional grade. The vacancies are distributed as follows: 30 for Senior Technician, Grade A; 62 for Senior Technician, Grade B; 82 for Professional Technician, Grade C; 74 for Professional Technician, Grade D; 26 for Administrative Technician, Grade E; and 3 for Assistant, Grade F.
The Resolution also provides for the allocation of US$ 1,172,860.20 to cover the costs associated with promotions, thereby contributing to the enhancement of civil servants’ career prospects and to the strengthening of the capacity and motivation of the public administration.
The provisions set out in this Government Resolution take effect on January 1st, 2027.
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The Council of Ministers, upon a proposal by Vice-Minister of Finance Regina de Jesus, approved the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 42/2025 of December 15th, which implements Law No. 3/2025 of April 23rd on the Framework for the General State Budget and Public Financial Management.
The amendment introduces greater flexibility in the execution of the General State Budget, allowing funds earmarked for the development capital of public administrative sector services and entities to be released up to the full amount of the original budget allocation by the end of the first half of each year. This measure aims to ensure faster, more efficient implementation of public investment projects, reduce administrative constraints, and facilitate the timely achievement of government priorities.
The decree-law also brings the regulatory framework into line with the amendments introduced by Law No. 8/2026 of June 8th, which increased the flexibility of budgetary management. In this context, the law now provides for the possibility of making budgetary adjustments and transferring funds between the various programmes of the Infrastructure Fund, in accordance with the provisions of the Framework Law on the General State Budget and Public Financial Management.
With this amendment of the regulatory framework, the Government is strengthening public financial management mechanisms, promoting more efficient use of public resources, and ensuring greater capacity for the physical and financial implementation of strategic development capital projects, in accordance with the current legal framework.
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The Council of Ministers, following a proposal from the Minister of the Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, approved the draft Government Resolution adopting the Integrated National Plan to Prevent and Combat transnational digital financial fraud networks, supported by illicit online scam platforms (“SCAM”), organised cybercrime, and human trafficking, for 2026–2031.
This plan establishes an integrated national strategy to prevent and combat these threats, which pose a growing risk to national security, economic stability, digital sovereignty, the integrity of the financial system, and Timor-Leste’s international reputation, by strengthening coordination among intelligence agencies, security forces and services, criminal investigation agencies, financial authorities, and border control agencies.
The Plan’s priorities include strengthening the State’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and combat organised cybercrime and human trafficking; protecting the national financial system and critical infrastructure; strengthening immigration control and border security; developing specialised technical capabilities; and promoting regional and international cooperation. Political coordination and oversight of its implementation will be the responsibility of the Interministerial Security Commission. In addition, a Government Decree will establish the National Centre for Coordination, Assessment, and Combating Transnational Threats (CN-CAT), reporting directly to the Prime Minister, as a permanent mechanism for inter-institutional coordination.
The Plan will be implemented in three phases between 2026 and 2031. The first phase will include establishing the CN-CAT, defining operational procedures, assessing national capabilities, and initiating a review of the legislative framework. In the second phase, the technical capabilities of institutions will be strengthened, technological systems will be implemented, joint operations will be developed, and international cooperation will be deepened, culminating in 2031 with the consolidation of national capabilities, the evaluation of the results achieved, and the updating of the National Plan, ensuring a sustainable and coordinated response to transnational threats.
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The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, presented to the Council of Ministers the preparations for hosting the 19th Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CMJPLOP) in Dili, which will bring together government officials responsible for justice across the CPLP member states. The Conference is an important mechanism for consultation and legal and judicial cooperation within the Portuguese-speaking world, facilitating the analysis of matters of common interest, the evaluation of ongoing initiatives, and the identification of new areas for collaboration. The preparatory work was also presented, including inter-institutional coordination and the logistical, protocol, security, and technical support required to host the event. Hosting this Conference in Timor-Leste, within the framework of the CPLP’s Pro Tempore Presidency, reinforces the national commitment to deepening legal cooperation among Member States and to strengthening the Community.
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Health Minister Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral presented the preparations to the Council of Ministers for hosting the 79th Session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Southeast Asia (WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee – WHO/SEARO) in Dili from 7 to 10 September 2026. This session serves as the primary governance forum for WHO in Southeast Asia, bringing together Member States to define strategic guidelines, review progress in public health, and approve regional cooperation initiatives. Ongoing preparatory work was presented, including inter-institutional coordination and logistical, protocol, security, and technical support for hosting the delegations. Hosting this meeting in Timor-Leste represents an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in health, promote the country’s international profile, and reaffirm the national commitment to strengthening health systems.
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The Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening of Health, José dos Reis Magno, presented to the Council of Ministers an analysis of the persistent challenge of chronic malnutrition in Timor-Leste, highlighting the need for an integrated and coordinated response to improve the population’s health and nutrition indicators. In addition to statistical data, the minister outlined the Integrated Health Program, an intervention strategy that combines initiatives to promote nutrition, maternal and child health, disease prevention, and the strengthening of health education within communities. He also presented the goals to be achieved by 2030. He discussed ongoing measures to strengthen institutional coordination and the implementation of multisectoral responses aimed at reducing malnutrition and promoting better health outcomes, especially among children and the most vulnerable groups. END
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Address By His Excellency the Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Gulkula, Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia 1 August 2026
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Dili, July 31st, 2026 — On Friday, July 31st, as part of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola celebrations, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão inaugurated the Ignatian Spirituality Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Hera, in the municipality of Dili. He stated that this inauguration is not merely the opening of new facilities but also a renewed commitment by Timor-Leste to strengthen the values of faith, peace, solidarity, and respect for all people.
The Prime Minister stated that the history of Timor-Leste teaches us that peace is not easily achieved but requires sacrifice, perseverance, forgiveness, and a willingness to rebuild relationships among people. He also said that, although the Timorese people have endured many years of suffering and conflict, through their faith in God and their love for this land, they have managed to build a free and sovereign nation.
He emphasised that the Ignatian Spirituality Centre will be a place of silence, prayer, and reflection, and will also contribute to the formation of consciences, the strengthening of leadership, and the promotion of a culture of dialogue. According to the Prime Minister, the country’s development cannot be measured solely by economic growth and infrastructure. Still, it must also prioritise human development through education, spirituality, ethics, and human formation.
Prime Minister Xanana expressed his appreciation to the Society of Jesus for its longstanding contributions to Timor-Leste through education, spiritual guidance, social service, and the training of young people. He also expressed his hope that the centre would become a heritage site for the people of Timor-Leste, open to all, to promote encounter, dialogue, reconciliation, and hope, especially among the youngest members of society.
At the ceremony, His Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, S.D.B., Metropolitan Archbishop of Dili, stated that this centre is not merely a building but a place where people encounter God, strengthen their faith, and are formed as instruments of peace. He also emphasised that Ignatian spirituality teaches people to practise spiritual discernment and to seek God in all things, so that their decisions may bring hope, justice, and peace to the family, the community, and the nation.
The Regional Superior of the Independent Region of Timor-Leste, Father Erick, also emphasised that the centre will be a place of prayer, silence, discernment, formation, and commitment, dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation. He emphasised that Timor-Leste needs people ready to engage in dialogue, listen to one another, and work for the common good, since peace must be built day by day through love, forgiveness, solidarity, and service to others.
The Ignatian Spirituality Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, established in Hera in the municipality of Dili, was supported by Catholic benefactors and donors from Singapore. The centre will promote spirituality, peace, and reconciliation and strengthen relationships among people through the Ignatian values of service, solidarity, and respect for all people.
State officials, Catholic Church leaders, members of the Society of Jesus, clergy, benefactors, donors from Singapore, and other guests attended the inauguration.
Dili, 28 July 2026 – The Governments of Australia and Timor-Leste have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s economic and institutional reform agenda through the second phase of the Partnership for Inclusive Prosperity (PROSIVU), following the program’s annual Steering Committee meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Finance, Santina Viegas Cardoso, and the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, on 28 July 2026.
Building on the achievements of Phase One (2022–2026), PROSIVU Phase Two (2026–2028) will continue its partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste to support Timor-Leste’s objectives to strengthen public institutions, improve economic governance, modernise public administration, enhance public financial management and support Timor-Leste’s deeper regional integration through ASEAN. Together, these reforms aim to create more economic opportunities, strengthen public services and ensure that public resources deliver lasting benefits for the people of Timor-Leste.
Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Her Excellency Ms. Caitlin Wilson, said the second phase of PROSIVU reflects the enduring partnership between Australia and Timor-Leste and their shared commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s long-term development priorities.
“Australia and Timor-Leste share a strong and enduring partnership, grounded in our commitment to a peaceful, stable, prosperous and resilient future. Through PROSIVU Phase Two, we will continue working together to strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunity and support inclusive development that benefits all Timorese people.”
The Australian Government will also continue supporting reforms that strengthen Timor-Leste’s business environment through investment and trade promotion, tourism development, online business registration and economic reform coordination. Phase Two will additionally support women’s economic empowerment, disability-inclusive services and improved digital connectivity. A key priority remains helping Timor-Leste to realise the benefits of ASEAN membership through implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Roadmap, meeting ASEAN standards and commitments, attracting investment and trade, and delivering English language training for government officials.
Australia’s partnership with the Ministry of Finance continues to strengthen public financial management to ensure that public resources are deployed to help grow the Timorese economy, support jobs and improve public services. Our work together is also supporting civil service reform through strategic assistance to the Civil Service Commission, enhancing systems and supporting the development of a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Strategy for the Timor-Leste public service.
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Finance, Her Excellency Ms. Santina Viegas Cardoso, thanked the Government of Australia for its continued partnership and said:
“On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I thank the Government of Australia for its commitment to this work. I am confident that, with continued collaboration and clear priorities, Phase Two will deliver tangible benefits for the Timorese people.”End
Today, July 31st, 2026, the Government submitted to the National Parliament a draft Law Proposal seeking legislative authorisation to approve a comprehensive cybersecurity legislative package, covering crimes and criminal proceedings in the digital sphere, and establishing the legal framework for national cyberspace. The proposal, approved by the Council of Ministers on July 22nd, was presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and then submitted to the National Parliament by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The initiative aims to provide Timor-Leste with a modern and coherent legal framework to address growing threats in cyberspace, strengthening the State’s capacity to prevent, investigate, combat, and suppress cybercrime; protect critical infrastructure; and promote a safer digital environment for citizens, businesses, and institutions. The explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal highlights the growing dependence on digital technologies and the increasing risks associated with cyberattacks, computer fraud, data breaches, the dissemination of illegal content, and other forms of crime committed in the digital environment.
The proposed legislative authorisation will enable the Government to adopt a set of laws that includes the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the legal framework for national cyberspace security, the framework for digital services, and the criminal and criminal procedural framework applicable to crimes committed in the digital environment, including rules on the collection, preservation, and use of electronic evidence.
Under the requested authorisation, the Government will be able to define new types of crimes committed in the digital environment, establish specific procedural mechanisms for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrime, regulate the collection and preservation of digital evidence, define the responsibilities of digital service providers and the mechanisms for notifying, removing, or blocking illegal content, strengthen international cooperation on cybercrime, establish a whistleblower protection system with a particular focus on the online safety of minors, and establish a national framework for governance, monitoring, prevention, response, and coordination in the area of cybersecurity.
The proposal also provides for the establishment of rules on the protection of personal data and privacy, the chain of custody for digital evidence, procedural safeguards, and judicial oversight of measures that restrict rights, as well as the creation of a national cybersecurity authority and mechanisms for cooperation between national and international entities. The measures also cover the protection of critical infrastructure, the regulation of the obligations of digital service providers, awareness campaigns and institutional capacity-building, and a specific whistleblower protection regime for cybercrime.
Through this initiative, the Government aims to ensure that Timor-Leste has a legal framework aligned with international best practice, capable of strengthening national cyberspace security, protecting citizens’ rights, and supporting the secure development of the economy and digital services.
Dili, Timor-Leste — The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Agio Pereira, held his first official meeting with the Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, H.E. Ambassador Fairuz Rozali, on July 31st, 2026, in the meeting room of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
The courtesy meeting reaffirmed the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Timor-Leste and Malaysia, highlighting their long history of bilateral cooperation and shared commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Agio Pereira welcomed Ambassador Fairuz Rozali and expressed his gratitude for Malaysia’s support for Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas of regional integration, institutional development, and national progress.
The discussion focused primarily on Timor-Leste’s preparations to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2029. Minister Agio Pereira emphasised the importance of drawing on Malaysia’s extensive experience in organising and coordinating high-level international events, including meeting organisation, logistics, protocol management, strategic communication, inter-ministerial communication, and inter-ministerial coordination.
Ambassador Fairuz Rozali reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste through technical cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and the sharing of best practices, to help the country prepare for its future responsibilities within ASEAN.
The meeting also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure development, cybersecurity, the fight against transnational crime, and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening public integrity, governance, and institutional capacity.
Ambassador Fairuz Rozali is Malaysia’s seventh ambassador to Timor-Leste since the Malaysian Embassy in Dili was established in 2002. Both sides expressed confidence that the close and friendly partnership between Timor-Leste and Malaysia will continue to deepen in the coming years.
The 25th episode of the “Government Page” TV show will air on Friday, July 31st, at 8:00 p.m., on Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL) and on the government’s official social media accounts and platforms. The guest on this episode is the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, who will present the Government’s priorities and ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, strengthen women’s empowerment, and prevent and combat violence.
During the interview, the Secretary of State will discuss the main priorities of the Secretariat of State for Equality, including the implementation of public policies that promote equal opportunities for women and men, strengthen social inclusion, and ensure greater participation by women in political, economic, and social life.
The TV Show will also highlight the Government’s policies and institutional mechanisms to prevent and combat gender-based violence, strengthen support services for victims, and promote public awareness campaigns aimed at eliminating discrimination and fostering a culture of equality and respect.
Other key topics of discussion will address progress in reducing gender inequality, the challenges that remain, and the importance of cooperation among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and local communities to promote gender equality throughout the country.
The Secretariat of State will also share the Secretariat’s vision and priorities for the coming years, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a more inclusive society in which women, men, girls, and boys have equal rights, opportunities, and protection under the law.
The “Government Page” TV show is an initiative of the Office of the Government Spokesperson, led by Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, in partnership with RTTL and the national media. The program aims to strengthen government transparency and ensure citizens’ access to the Executive’s main actions and decisions. The program features Nélia Chaves as host and Ika Moniz as executive producer. Technical support is provided by the media teams of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the office of the government official being interviewed.
The Government invites the entire population to tune in to this episode of the “Government Page” TV show on Friday, July 31st, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., on RTTL and on social media.