MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will build a new police headquarters in the Samoan capital Apia, as part of a major initiative to strengthen the Samoa Police Service.
The headquarters will enhance the general policing, crime investigations and prosecutions divisions, as well as provide a single point of access for victims of crime and the public.
Construction will begin in the next two months so that the new headquarters will be operational before Apia hosts the 2007 Pacific Games.
This contribution will bring Australia's total support for the Samoa Police Service to $13.4 million since 2004.
An armoury funded by the Australian Department of Defence will be built alongside the police headquarters at an estimated cost of up to $300,000 in order to improve weapon security.
Australia, through its international aid agency, AusAID, is providing training and practical assistance to improve basic policing skills under the Regional Police Initiative.
Supporting law and justice is a key focus of Australia's aid program to the Pacific region. This assistance will build on Australia's success over the last decade in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of key Samoan Government agencies, such as Treasury, Education, Health, Agriculture and Immigration.
Australia's total official development assistance to Samoa is estimated at
$20.1 million in 2005-06.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs): 0417 680 590