MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Following successful High Level Consultations in Port Vila on 31 March, I am
pleased to announce a new development cooperation strategy between Australia
and Vanuatu for 2005-2010.
The new strategy recognises the Government of Vanuatu's commitment to
good governance and focuses on further improving governance, raising productive
capacity and improving service delivery.
In seeking to improve governance, the strategy will help develop more
accountable police and legal systems, public sector reform and financial
accountability.
Efforts to raise productive capacity will centre on agriculture and the
tourism sector by providing income-generation and employment opportunities for
ni-Vanuatu, particularly young people.
Support will also be given to extend basic services such as health and
education to people in greatest hardship, particularly in isolated rural
communities and informal settlements in urban areas.
The strategy also supports a partnership between the Malvatumauri Council of
Chiefs and the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the
University of Queensland.
The Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs is the highest body representing all
chiefs across Vanuatu and is provided for in the Vanuatu Constitution as an
integral part of the national decision-making system.
The partnership with the University of Queensland aims to help increase the
capacity of the Malvatumauri chiefs to deal with peace and conflict issues and
more effectively represent their people in economic and social development
issues facing the country.
Australia's assistance for the new development cooperation strategy will
be delivered primarily through AusAID but will encompass other government
departments under a whole-of government approach.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206
890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590