WE ARE
Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) in the Pacific and Timor-Leste
Through P4SP, Australia partners with governments in Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste to strengthen national social protection systems. Through these systems, P4SP works to support community and economic wellbeing, particularly following COVID-19, and to help build resilience to future shocks.
Australia has a longstanding commitment to reducing poverty and enhancing stability and prosperity in our region, and is already supporting national social protection systems in a number of countries. P4SP supports and complements other Australian investments in social protection in the region.
WE ARE
Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) in the Pacific and Timor-Leste
Through P4SP, Australia partners with governments in Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste to strengthen national social protection systems. Through these systems, P4SP works to support community and economic wellbeing, particularly following COVID-19, and to help build resilience to future shocks.
Australia has a longstanding commitment to reducing poverty and enhancing stability and prosperity in our region, and is already supporting national social protection systems in a number of countries. P4SP supports and complements other Australian investments in social protection in the region.
WE SUPPORT
Social Protection
National social protection systems deliver direct assistance, often in the form of cash transfers, to people when they need it the most. Programs may target people during vulnerable times in their lives, such as during early childhood and old age, provide support for people with disabilities or who have lost work, or focus on the poorest members of society. They can also reach people who need help during times of economic crisis and in the wake of disasters.
In response to the severe economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the impacts of disasters, many Pacific countries have quickly established or adapted national social protection schemes for people who lost livelihoods and income. Recognising the widespread impacts on communities, these were put in place to complement the strong community, church and family networks that traditionally support people in times of need.
As the region looks towards economic recovery, prepares for future disasters and pursues sustainable development, strengthened national social protection systems offer important benefits. They can enhance countries' resilience, which is critical in a region experiencing more frequent disasters and the effects of climate change. They can support better nutrition, health and education outcomes and contribute to economic growth and social cohesion. Well-designed social protection systems can also contribute to women's empowerment and improve inclusion of persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.