Symbolic Gesture of Goodwill
The recent announcement by the Australian Government of $18 million direct budget support is a symbolic gesture of goodwill. Indeed, Australia has stood tall in honouring its vuvale partnership by providing an unprecedented budget assistance.
Not only this, Australia has also provided support in the form of PPE and other relief supplies post TC Harold and during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian government has always been by our side during thick and thin times. In fact, Fiji and Australia have a long history which goes back to the colonial days of supplying sugar under The Colonial Sugar Refinery Company.
Regardless of whether it is sports, politics or trade Australia has always been quick to respond to our requests. Australia has always stood with us in times of need and we have also reciprocated in some ways like providing military aid during the bushfire crisis. Being the most developed country in the Pacific, Australia faces increased pressure to provide support to its other less developed neighbours. Recently, Australia has renewed its commitment through the Pacific step up programme which is to assist the Pacific Island Economies in nearly all areas of development. I believe our bilateral ties with Australia is a special one and this gesture is a sign of emboldening.
There is always this question, is Australia doing enough to support its Pacific Neighbours? Undeniably, the current crisis facing everyone is extraordinary and Australia has not been spared either.
There are some staggering figures of job losses and the unemployment rate in Australia as well. To counter these economic shocks Australia has provided billions of dollars in the form stimulus packages.
Australia is not a cash cow that can keep supporting everybody during these trying times without realising the economic consequences and has an obligation to assist its own citizens. Proportionately, Australia’s strong moral conviction to provide support during these extraordinary times must be much appreciated.