 The Indo-Pacific is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world. Tropical cyclones, tsunamis, drought and other natural disasters cause death and injury, damage infrastructure and destroy livelihoods. They can cause secondary crises such as disease outbreaks, cut access to education and basic health services, curb economic growth and contribute to insecurity in our region. Australia has a strong record of providing humanitarian assistance that helps save lives and assist communities to get back on their feet. The Australian Government is also working with Pacific countries to strengthen their disaster preparedness so they are better able to respond when natural disasters strike. I am pleased to announce a new arrangement between the Australian Government and Australian NGOs to enhance this work, the Australian Humanitarian Partnership. Under the partnership, which is worth $50 million over five years, we will work with the Australian arms of six international NGOs – CARE, CARITAS, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children and World Vision – to help increase the capacity of local organisations and communities to prepare for and manage crises. Building on the NGO's extensive regional networks, we will support Pacific nations to be more resilient to disasters so they can more quickly rebuild and return people's lives to normal. We will also continue to work with their NGO partners to deliver humanitarian assistance when required. I saw the positive impact NGOs make when I visited Vanuatu and Fiji following devastating cyclones in 2015 and 2016. They were helping to rebuild markets and other infrastructure, restore livelihoods and get children back to school. The Australian Humanitarian Partnership continues Australia's strong tradition of helping our neighbours and will help create a more stable and prosperous region.