The Australian Government’s Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) program held a disability-inclusive social protection training with more than 45 National Disability Stakeholders including government officials, faith-based institutions, and services providers participants, 15 November, at Dr. Moulton Hall, Nuku'alofa.

It was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) Social Protection, Disability and Vulnerable Division.

Deputy CEO of MIA, Luisa Manuofetoa, said the training focuses on how social protection programs can better meet the needs of persons with disabilities in Tonga, and says it takes place as the MIA currently reviews Tonga's social protection programs.

“Communities across Tonga are already supported by two well-established social protection programs; the Disability Social Welfare Scheme and the Social Welfare Scheme for elderlies," said Manuofetoa.

"The Government of Tonga is pleased to partner with the Australian government to deliver this training on disability-inclusive social protection.”

Deputy Australian High Commissioner, Erin Gleeson said that Australian Government remains committed to supporting Tonga to strengthen social protection systems.

“In recent years, we have been seeing governments across the Pacific investing in social protection schemes that are reaching more people in need of assistance," said Gleeson.

“Social protection is a vital component when designing ways to support an entire community, and we look forward to further strengthening this important partnership in years to come.”

P4SP’s Deputy Team Leader, Rachel Payne noted that around the world, people with disabilities are too often excluded from social protection programs.

“This course has been designed to highlight ways in which social protection can respond to the needs of people with disabilities, and the role of social protection as part of broader disability support and services in Tonga.”

While in Nuku’alofa, P4SP is also engaging with MIA and the National Retirement Benefit Fund to consider options for further strengthening the disability and elderly benefit schemes.

Partnerships for Social Protection P4SP

P4SP is a four-year Australian Government program that supports governments in Pacific Island Countries to strengthen their national social protection systems, programs, and policies. P4SP works with partner governments to identify their Social Protection reform priorities; provide support through a network of over 70 Social Protection short-term specialists, and long-term advisors embedded within line ministries.

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.