GO7623: Australia Cook Islands Partnership Program

The Australia Cook Islands Partnership Program (the Partnership Program) will provide funding of AUD $7.6 million over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28, to the Cook Islands Government (CIG).

The Partnership Program will broaden, and strategically enhance, current bilateral efforts into a genuine partnership, reflecting the mutual priorities as identified in the five pillars of the Cook Islands – Australia of the ‘Oa Tumanava Partnership : 1.

Strengthening our people-to-people links 2.

Enhancing our security cooperation to address shared regional challenges 3.

Achieving greater prosperity for our people and our region 4.

Cooperating on regional and international issues, and 5.

Fostering closer institutional linkages, including in support of resilient and inclusive societies.

The Partnership Program will consist of four grant opportunities throughout the life of the program (FY2024/25 to FY2027/28), with an annual assessment and funding disbursement occurring once per financial year throughout this four-year period.

One grant will be disbursed per financial year with a validity of twelve months.

Australia’s continued support for the Cook Islands beyond its ODA graduation (01 January 2020) is an important demonstration of our tangible commitment to the bilateral relationship and reinforces our engagement with all members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

To be eligible, the grant activity must align with and support the ‘Oa Tumanava Partnership and established priorities of the Cook Islands Government.

The Cook Islands Government (CIG) is the sole entity eligible to apply.

Applications must be by invitation and only the invited organisation (CIG) may apply.

Application timelines (meeting by no later than 30 March; written proposal submitted within 7 days of the meeting) and DFAT assessment/endorsement processes must be followed.