MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Opportunities for north Queensland businesses to become involved in Australia's overseas aid program - and in particular with Papua New Guinea - will be the subject of a seminar in Cairns on Monday (11 May).
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Federal Member for Moncrieff, Kathy Martin Sullivan, will open the seminar, which has been organised by the Cairns International Trade Centre.
Representatives of AusAID (the Australian Agency for International Development) will discuss opportunities for businesses to participate in the delivery of Australia's development cooperation program to Papua New Guinea. There will also be a brief overview of upcoming AusAID-funded projects in PNG.
'Our overseas aid program is a reflection of Australia's commitment to help those less fortunate than ourselves,' Mrs Sullivan said. 'I am proud to say that Australians have a well-deserved international reputation for delivering aid well.
'We have a 'can-do' attitude and a basic egalitarian approach to people which means that a wide cross-section of the Australian community is already making a difference in developing countries.
'There are many more exciting opportunities which exist for Queensland businesses - both small and large - to become involved in Australia's overseas aid program.
'Papua New Guinea is the largest recipient of Australian aid. I believe we can forge strong and mutually beneficial partnerships between various sectors of the Australian and PNG communities - between businesses, NGOs, universities and TAFE colleges.'
The seminar will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel (The Pier Marketplace) from 9am to 1pm. Registration is at 8.45am and the cost is $30 (including a light lunch). Tickets are available at the door.
Media contacts:
Judi Nixon (Mrs Sullivan's office) 07 55 911 011/0411 287 258
Carol Haffke (AusAID) on 02 6206 4966/0417 683767