Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

It's fair to say that our region faces an unprecedented economic shock from COVID-19. The Asian Development Bank has cut its growth forecasts for the Pacific from 1.4 per cent, just in April this year, to 0.3 per cent, so Australia is implementing a $500 million package of new economic development and security measures to support South-East Asia's recovery from COVID-19. We're delivering on our commitment through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and our Partnerships for Infrastructure initiative.

Our Pacific COVID-19 Response Package is providing essential services, flight connectivity and increased social spending. In Fiji, we provided over $83 million in fiscal support last financial year, directly benefiting Fijians impacted by COVID-19. This complements the Fiji government's important Poverty Benefit Scheme and disability allowance for women, children and other vulnerable groups. These initiatives are key to supporting the region's resilience and recovery from COVID-19.