MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
The New South Wales community is invited to comment on and contribute to the
future direction of Australia's overseas aid program, the Parliamentary
Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Bruce Billson, said today.
'Extensive consultation involving open forums and seminars around
Australia is being conducted to assist in the development of a White Paper on
Australia's aid program,' Mr Billson said.
'The White Paper aims to provide a medium-term strategic blueprint for
our aid program that builds on lessons learned and ensures our assistance
remains effective in a world of evolving challenges and new
insights.
'On 13 September at the United Nations Summit in New York, Prime
Minister John Howard announced a goal to increase Australia's overseas aid
allocation to $4 billion by 2010.
'The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that Australian
taxpayers' dollars are spent wisely and that our aid is effective.
Given this, governance and anti-corruption measures will continue to be key
themes of the aid program.
'As demonstrated by the overwhelming response to the tsunami disaster,
many Australians are concerned about those in need overseas and are interested
in the role Australia is playing in helping developing
countries.
'The Australian Government welcomes public input on the direction and
priorities of our overseas aid, as we work to improve livelihoods and promote
economic growth, prosperity and stability in developing countries in our
region.
'Joint teams involving AusAID and external experts are preparing
analytical reports on HIV/AIDS, Asia, the Pacific, PNG and Indonesia and will
separately consult with partner governments and other key stakeholders both in
Australia and overseas,' Mr Billson said.
The Parliamentary Secretary will chair an open forum in Sydney at the City
Recital Hall, Angel Place from 5.30 to 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 September
2005.
Mr Billson is also chairing a series of seminars in state capitals with
invited experts, journalists, community-based organisations, academics and the
private sector to seek their input on the future direction of Australia's
aid program.
Comments from the Australian public can also be provided through the White
Paper e-mail address: whitepaper@ausaid.gov.au. Further
information on the White Paper consultation process can be found at on the
AusAID website: www.ausaid.gov.au
The Minister for Foreign Affairs will present the White Paper to Parliament
in early 2006.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590