Phase 2 focuses on strengthening the systems that keep services running well - from decentralisation reforms and better coordination across government, to stronger planning, budgeting and infrastructure management. These cross-cutting focus areas are helping us embed stronger systems, meet community needs, deliver longer lasting infrastructure and build the capability to maintain and sustain services for longer.
Program Overview
The Partnership to Strengthen Village Development and Municipal Administration (PARTISIPA) is Australia’s flagship partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste to strengthen municipal governance and improve access to quality, resilient infrastructure and services for communities. The program works nationally and across all municipalities, helping our government partners plan, budget and coordinate more effectively to deliver these services.
Phase 2 (2026 – 2028) focuses on building sustainable, nationally owned systems that support decentralisation, improve service continuity and embed climate resilience and inclusion. The program brings together governance and infrastructure so that stronger systems lead to better services - and better services support community development and build trust.
Phase 1 (2021 – 2025) commenced with three components - support to the National Program for Suku Development (PNDS), municipal governance, and rural infrastructure operations and maintenance - with sub-national roads added in 2022. Collectively these investments comprise Australia’s largest and longest-running support to local governance and basic service delivery in Timor-Leste, anchored in strengthening the systems that connect planning, budgeting and public financial management across all levels of government.
PARTISIPA’s support across the program is driven by three connected approaches - advisory support, technical assistance, and evidence, learning, and innovation. These approaches reinforce each other: advisory support sets direction; technical assistance builds capacity; and evidence informs decisions.
PARTISIPA aims to improve village access to quality infrastructure and services
PARTISIPA has the following End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):
EOIO 1: Infrastructure and services needs of villages are better addressed by national government.
EOIO 2: Sub-national governments better deliver their mandated infrastructure and services to villages.
EOIO 3: National and Sub-National governments manage sub-national roads more effectively and efficiently, resulting in sustainable improved connectivity.
Songer Governance, Better Services
Working with national government partners to strengthen national policies, standards and coordination so municipalities can function effectively. This includes decentralisation reforms, financial systems, national service standards, and integrated management information systems and tools.
Municipalities Leading Inclusive Local Development
Supporting municipalities to plan, budget and deliver services. This includes Annual Action Plans, municipal investment planning, performance-based support, and stronger participation and accountability mechanisms.
Resilient Municipal Infrastructure for the Future
Improving rural water systems, rural roads and community infrastructure through stronger standards, long-term operations and maintenance, and climate-resilient design.
Partner Organisations
PARTISIPA works closely with national and municipal institutions across Timor-Leste.
Cross-Cutting Focus
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Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion
PARTISIPA supports inclusive planning, budgeting and leadership, and ensures infrastructure meets accessibility and universal design standards through.
Embedding Climate Resilience
PARTISIPA integrates climate risk into planning, standards and infrastructure design, supporting long-term resilience in water, roads and municipal systems.
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Locally Led and Locally Owned Progress
PARTISIPA strengthens systems that put Timorese institutions and communities in the lead, ensuring decisions, services and development outcomes are driven and owned locally for long-term sustainability.
Working with Communities
PARTISIPA strengthens diverse community participation in local planning and service delivery, helping build trust between citizens and government and ensuring services reflect local priorities.
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Cross-sector Collaboration
PARTISIPA works alongside other Government of Australia investments and development partners to ensure alignment, reduce duplication and strengthen national systems.
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Program Impact
From national support to local outcomes
PARTISIPA works in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste to deliver stronger governance, better services and greater outcomes for communities.
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13 Municipalities working with PARTISIPA
2028
Delivering from 2021 to 2028
Our Team
PARTISIPA brings together Timorese and international specialists in governance, public financial management, infrastructure, climate resilience, community engagement and GEDSI. The team works closely with government counterparts, providing advisory support, technical assistance and evidence to strengthen systems and drive sustainable change.
