The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
The Albanese Government is backing Pacific governments to deliver and strengthen their social security systems, to help safeguard vulnerable individuals and households from poverty and economic shocks.
Minister for International Development, Dr Anne Aly, announced $18 million for the Pacific Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) program at the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar.
P4SP has helped create social safety nets for around 176,000 people across the Pacific – including the elderly, people with disabilities, low-income earners, unemployed individuals, children in out-of-home care, and rural pregnant mothers.
This includes supporting the delivery of Kiribati’s first unemployment benefit scheme, contributing to a dramatic reduction in their national poverty rate from 21.9% in 2019–20 to 5.5% in 2023–24.
In addition, the program has supported reforms to Fiji’s national transport scheme, delivering more flexible transport options for the elderly and people with disabilities.
This additional funding for P4SP will allow Australia to partner with more countries in the Pacific to address inequality and promote social development.
Learn more about the P4SP the Partnerships for Social Protection website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly:
"Social protection helps reduce poverty, builds resilience, promotes economic participation and ensures that no one is left behind."
"When we support people facing the greatest hardship, we lift entire societies."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:
"We are proud to partner with Pacific countries to help build fairer and stronger societies."
"Australia’s continued investment in social protection reflects our commitment to supporting inclusive systems that help people when they need it most."