MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Public Administration in East Timor will benefit from a new Australian
development cooperation initiative being launched in Dili today.
The program, the Australia-East Timor Capacity Building Facility, was
launched by Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris
Gallus.
'This is an exciting initiative as it addresses the needs of different bodies
and is based on a strong partnership approach,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The project works by providing support to the Government of East Timor,
non-government organisations and statutory authorities in the areas of health,
rural development, water and sanitation, governance and education.
'It provides short and long term technical advisers, training programs, and
policy research and development. Activities are approved by a joint
Australia-East Timor Committee.
'These activities include training and language support, finance advice,
environmental testing and assistance for tax officers and budget preparation,
support for small and medium industries, civilian law enforcement advice, human
resource planning and the development of a local government database,' Mrs
Gallus said.
This program will assist the Government of East Timor, small businesses and
NGOs to develop the skills needed to service the people of East Timor.
The $18 million program will run for three years and is managed by Illawarra
Technology Corporation (ITC) on behalf of the Australian Government. ITC is
responsible for mobilising and managing a range of capacity building activities
and employing advisers to carry out the work.
Contacts:
Alex Knox (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 / 0411 287 257
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683 126