Australia and Tonga sign letters stipulating disbursement of AUD7 million COVID-19 package

The Australian High Commissioner Adrian Morrison and Tonga’s Minister for Finance, Honourable Tevita Lavemaau, signed an Exchange of Letters stipulating a disbursement of AUD7 million from Australia’s COVID-19 response package.

This funding comes in support of Tonga’s Social and Economic Stimulus Package (Phase 3).

AUD2 million has been earmarked for social protection payments: to poor households, to the elderly and disabled, expanding social care-takers services, and community policing.

The remaining AUD5 million will be for continued support to businesses and employees who have been affected by the global outbreak of COVID-19, in support of Tonga’s COVID-19 Business Recovery Program.

Australia is pleased to know these funds will reach the most vulnerable groups, especially during these trying times.