Zed Seselja (ACT, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Paterson, for the question. The human suffering caused by COVID is immense, but, equally, its impact on long-term economic stability and security is also concerning. The government has committed $305 million to support economic resilience and recovery from COVID-19. Already $200 million has been disbursed to our nearest neighbours. In the year ahead Australia will provide a further $100 million across the Pacific and Timor-Leste to maintain essential services and protect the most vulnerable. For countries like Fiji which are highly dependent on international tourism, the shutdown of international travel has been absolutely devastating. We can help Fiji to get the virus under control and support its quick return to economic growth. I'll be speaking to the Fiji health minister today about our cooperation, and we'll be delivering more Australian vaccines to Fiji this week. We will always support our Pacific family. A safe region means a safe Australia, and our support at this time is more important than ever.