Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

In the spirit, indeed, of our important response to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Quad leaders launched a landmark partnership on Saturday to support our region's recovery from COVID-19. Together we're taking action to expand safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and delivery in 2021. Reflecting our respective strengths and investments will ramp up vaccine manufacturing capacity, fund the procurement and distribution of vaccines, and provide last-mile delivery support.

Building on the government's existing commitment of a $523 million regional vaccine access and health security program, Australia has pledged an additional $100 million to be allocated in consultation between Quad partners. Wherever possible, Quad partners will take opportunities to implement joint or closely coordinated programs of support for our partner countries in the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on South-East Asia.