MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
AusAID
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, and President Bill Clinton will be announcing a significant partnership on HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment in the Asia Pacific between the Australian Government and the William J. Clinton Foundation. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed.
At the same time, the Australian Government's international aid agency, AusAID, and the Lowy Institute for International Policy will be launching the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS. The Coalition will enlist major corporations in the fight against HIV/AIDS and be chaired by Margaret Jackson, Chairman of Qantas.
WHO: Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign Affairs
President Bill Clinton, William J. Clinton Foundation
Margaret Jackson, Qantas
Frank Lowy, Lowy Institute for International Policy
WHEN: Wednesday 22 February 2006
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS:
12.00pm Welcome by Frank Lowy
12.05pm Minister Downer speech
12.10pm President Clinton speech
12.20pm President Clinton and Minister Downer sign Memorandum of Understanding
12.25pm Margaret Jackson announces Asia Pacific Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS
12.30pm Business leaders' private function
1.00pm Media Conference
WHERE:
Sydney. The address will be provided to accredited media representatives.
MEDIA FACILITIES:
The speeches, signing and business leaders' private function will be held in a venue that allows for pooled media resources.
In addition, an adjoining media conference room will take a live feed of the formal proceedings from 12.00pm. Media are encouraged to be present for this live feed. Minister Downer, President Clinton and Mrs Jackson will hold a media conference at 1.00pm - the media must be in place for the media conference by 12.45pm.
Light refreshment will be provided.
ACCREDITATION DEADLINE:
Media outlets must nominate their chosen representatives for the pools and media conference on letterhead by email to Lynne.Minion@ausaid.gov.au by:
12.00pm Friday 17 th February 2006.
All media representatives must show a valid National Visits Media Pass as proof of identification to gain access to the event.
SECURITY:
Media attending must allow 15 minutes for security checks. Entry will be refused after 12.45pm.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 0419 206 890
Lynne Minion (AusAID) 0411 106 016 or 02 6206 4588
Gregson Edwards (AusAID) 02 6206 4727