Supporting disaster preparedness and response in our region

  • Media release



Today I announce a new partnership with six Australian NGOs to help reduce the impact of disasters and humanitarian crises, particularly in the Pacific.

Working with the Australian NGOs – Care, Caritas, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children and World Vision – the Australian Government will provide $50 million over five years to boost local capacity for disaster preparedness and response in Pacific countries.

The Australian Humanitarian Partnership will help reduce the impacts of disasters on communities, especially vulnerable women, children and people with disabilities.

Today's announcement will draw on Australian NGOs' extensive regional networks to build the capacity of governments, local NGOs, and community organisations to prepare for and manage crises more effectively.

Funding will help save lives and help communities recover faster from natural disasters, and represents an efficient use of humanitarian aid – every $60 Australia invested to help make homes stronger in Vanuatu before Cyclone Pam struck the country in 2015 saved up to $3,600 in rebuilding costs following the disaster.

Australia's partnership with NGOS will also ensure Australia is able to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises in our region and beyond.

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