On 30 August 2022, the Minister for Communications, the Minister for International Development and the Pacific and the CEO of Australia Post, announced the Pacific Postal Development Partnership (PPDP). The PPDP is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and Australia Post to support Pacific postal development. The Australian Government is providing $450,000 in funding for the PPDP over 3 years, in addition to in-kind support and equipment from Australia Post.
What is being delivered under the Partnership?
Australia Post is partnering with counterparts in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to deliver the PPDP. Australia Post has undertaken individual onsite facility assessments and developed a tailored package jointly with each Pacific postal operator. These are designed to uplift regional capability and are based on local needs.
Phase 1 of the Partnership
Phase 1 of the PPDP is underway with postal equipment currently being delivered, installed and commissioned in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. Examples of equipment include:
- Mail sorting and handling equipment
- IT equipment
- Delivery vehicles
Remaining phases
Equipment for the remaining participating countries will be delivered over the coming months.
Future activities are expected to focus on training and capacity building across all participating countries.