Observation
While many have been wary of Australia investing in foreign aid in the past, the vast majority in 2021 (83%) say that Australia should help Pacific Islands countries to pay for Covid-19 vaccines. Over the course of the past six months, the Australian government has pledged over $800 million in funding for vaccines in Pacific Islands and Southeast Asian countries.
A strong majority (60%) also say that Australia should help Southeast Asian countries to pay for Covid-19 vaccines. Younger Australians are more likely to support vaccine assistance for Southeast Asian countries than older Australians, with seven in ten 18-29-year-olds (70%) saying that Australia should fund vaccines for Southeast Asia, compared to 56% of Australians over 30. More than 80% across all age groups polled say that Australia should fund vaccines for Pacific Islands countries.