23rd March, 2018 The Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Julie Bishop MP promised the Tongan Government that Australia will increase their assistance from their previous initial response package of approximately $3.5 million to $10.5 million dollars. This brings their contribution to Tonga’s recovery effort following TC Gita to a total of $14 million dollars.
During her visit to the Town Hall of Tatakamotonga with her delegation from Australia, Hon. Julie Bishop MP said, “Today we met with the Prime Minister and members of cabinet, and we talked about the reconstruction effort that will require to rebuild those communities that has been devastate by the cyclone.”
“And our promise to Tonga’s Prime Minister is that Australia will increase our assistance by a further ten and a half million dollars bringing the response package to a total of fourteen million dollars as our contribution to the recovery efforts.”
She also stated that “The priorities of the Australian Government are of course paramount in rebuilding schools and ensuring that whole services continue to flow or whether it would be rebuilding livelihoods, we want to ensure that we can continue to partner with the Tongan Government.”
“Of course, at a national level His Majesty’s Armed Forces, the Police Force, and the Government were able to work with NGOs and volunteers but it’s what happens on the ground at the local level that really impacts people’s lives.”
She thanked every community organization, every volunteer, every person who gave their energy and efforts to helping out those in need for the amazing recovery work that has been undertaken.
Hon. Julie Bishop MP has committed that Australia stands with Tonga to ensure its people receive the support they deserve.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communcations.