Australia increased its budget support to Samoa by $28 million for the current financial year. The two governments signed the agreement on Friday.

This additional support is part of Australia’s long-term contributions to Samoa’s development spanning over eight years – from 2023 to 2031 – and totalling $187.7 million.

Signed by Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa William Robinson, and Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, this support is underpinned by the deep trust the two nations share, and their joint commitment to enhancing service delivery for Samoa’s communities.

“Our signing of this agreement embodies the spirit of trust we have in one another, and an expression of our belief that our prosperity is best pursued together. This will support the Government of Samoa’s expenditure right across the board for things that matter most to Samoans – from paying teacher’s salaries, ensuring hospitals have the supplies they need, and maintaining quality roads,” said Mr Robinson.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, I express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Government and the people of Australia for their continuous support of Samoa’s development. The additional general budget support marks yet another milestone in the trusted long-lasting relationship and development partnership between our two countries – Australia and Samoa," said Lautimuia.

"We remain committed to addressing the priority needs of our people, through various initiatives and integrating priorities for development through general budget support. We are also appreciative of the commitment to the JPAM arrangement supporting high impact policies that inform and guide priorities for Samoa."

This additional budget support will contribute to the delivery of essential services that the people of Samoa rely on, including in health, education, gender, disability and social protection. Australia’s budget support is delivered in partnership with New Zealand, World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union through the Joint Policy Action Matrix (JPAM).

The JPAM is an economic reform agenda that enables best practice development partners to support Samoa’s development destiny with their expertise.

"This is an extraordinary achievement, and we commend the Government of Samoa for its efforts in securing a strong economic foundation for the future. This funding will go towards the services that matter most – paying teachers so children continue learning, ensuring hospitals have the medicines and equipment they need, and maintaining quality roads, to name a few," said Mr Robinson.

"Our budget support is delivered in partnership with New Zealand, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union through the Joint Policy Action Matrix. JPAM brings together partners who share a commitment to supporting Samoa’s development through practical and meaningful cooperation."

"The Australian Government values our partnership because the economic prosperity, stability, and security for both our countries are interdependent and best pursued together."