The Australian Government has committed an additional AUD$20 million (WST$36.7
million) in direct budget support towards Samoa’s Treasury.
This additional budget support will reinforce the Government of Samoa’s fiscal strength as it
prepares for hosting a successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year.
The Exchange of Letters for this funding arrangement was co-signed by Samoa’s Minister of Finance,
Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, and Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Mr William
Robinson.
This AUD$20 million (WST$36.7 million) budget support is in addition to the AUD$50 million
(WST$91 million) over 8-years that was signed last year by former High Commissioner Emily Luck
and Minister Lautimuia.
“We warmly thank the people and Government of Australia for their continued support and
commitment to working in partnership for the prosperity of Samoa’s communities. This support will
also ensure a successful CHOGM, where we look forward to showcasing the best of fa’a-Samoa and
our Pacific way on the international stage,” said Minister Lautimuia.
“This support reflects Australia’s approach to all its partnerships, with a deep commitment to locally
led solutions. Samoa knows the challenges it’s facing best, and this support direct into Samoa’s
Treasury enhances the nation’s ability to respond to those challenges,” said High Commissioner
Robinson.
Australia delivers its budget support in partnership with development partners that are committed
to Samoa’s long-term sustainable development – New Zealand, World Bank, Asian Development
Bank and the European Union – through the Joint Policy Action Matrix (JPAM).
The JPAM mechanism, with dialogue across Government, provides rigour and assurance that
Australia’s budget support contributes to Samoa’s pursuit of global best practice policies and reform
actions that are fit for purpose for Samoa’s national priorities.