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Summary of publication
This document provides an independent evaluation of Australia's economic sector governance program.
The report found that the Joint Policy Reform Matrix (JPRM) process has underwritten important reforms in Tonga. The introduction of fiscal anchors is a critical reform in ensuring fiscal sustainability and a stable macro-economy. The introduction of taxes on unhealthy foods and tobacco to fight non-communicable diseases like diabetes has increased revenue and early indications are that it is incentivising healthier behaviour.
The report notes that more effort will be needed to effectively prosecute cross-sectoral priorities such as gender, disability inclusion, health, and climate change and disaster readiness into the next phase. The report found that the JPRM process reduces transaction costs of donor funding, accelerates policy reforms and supplements recurrent revenue.