Australia pours in additional $72 million into national coffers

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Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Prof Biman Prasad at the official signing of Australia’s $72 million grant budgetary support. Picture: SUPPLIED/FINANCE MINISTRY

Australia has given $72 million in budget support to Fiji.

An amendment to the Direct Funding Arrangement between Fiji and Australia was signed this morning between Minister for Finance Prof Biman Prasad and out-going Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald.

A Ministry of Finance statement said Prof Prasad thanked the Australian Government for its continued support, highlighting that Australia has provided over $580 million in development funding to Fiji over the past six years.

“This funding will help us implement key economic and public finance reforms to drive inclusive growth and strengthen our resilience,” Professor Prasad said.

The agreement reaffirms Australia’s confidence in Fiji’s reform agenda and commitment to sustainable development, said the statement.