In 2013–14 the Government will focus on increased assistance to developing countries in the Asia–Pacific region, with an emphasis on accelerating progress to meet the Millennium Development Goals. We will also continue to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance through our global partners to people in crisis.

Working with developing countries in the Asia–Pacific region

The 2013–14 Budget continues to implement the Government's aid priorities. As expressed in the Government's Comprehensive Aid Policy Framework the Asia–Pacific region will remain the highest priority, receiving around 86 per cent of the aid program in 2013–14.

Many countries in the Asia–Pacific region have made progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets, but major challenges persist. In response the Government has announced a new measure Enhancing Australia's commitment to development in the Asia–Pacific Region ($390.9 million over four years). This new measure will help make the MDGs more achievable in our region. This measure includes funding to improve outcomes against MDG1 (poverty and hunger), MDG2 (universal education) and MDG5 (maternal health) in target countries in the Asia–Pacific region. This new funding will help provide:

• over 1 million people with access to nutrient supplements and supplementary feeding programs
• 100,000 vision screenings and 10,000 sight restoring surgeries to help lift some of the regions most disadvantaged people out of poverty
• an additional 1.2 million children with improved access to a quality education
• 900,000 women per year access to improved maternal and child health services.

In addition, the Budget delivers increased funding to key countries in the Asia–Pacific region to continue to assist developing country partners meet the MDG targets. This includes:

• Indonesia from $541.6 million to $646.8 million to improve health and education outcomes, justice and governance
• Myanmar from $64.2 million to $82.8 million to help reduce poverty by supporting education, health and livelihoods
• Fiji from $49.2 million to $58.2 million to strengthen health, education and improve economic livelihoods.

Other initiatives

Other new proposals include:

• Continuing Australia's support to Solomon Islands ($480.7 million over four years) within renewed funding during the RAMSI transition phase for key development programs in the Law and Justice and Governance sectors. From 1 July these will form an important part of Australia's bilateral development assistance to Solomon Islands. In addition, this initiative will provide funding for the ongoing support to the Participating Police Force by the Australian Federal Police and funding for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to coordinate RAMSI and support civilian aid activities. More on this proposal

• Extending Australia's commitment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan ($2.1 million over two years) to continue to assist with peace and security consolidation efforts in the new republic. More on this proposal

• Combating people smuggling–enhancing the regional response to irregular migration ($65.8 million over four years) to implement a whole of government response to key recommendations of the Expert Panel Report on Asylum Seekers. More on this proposal

• In line with the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper the aid program is building skills and strengthening institutions in developing countries in the region through initiatives, such as the Australia Awards. The Australia Awards allows the best and brightest from developing countries to study in Australia and return home to assist in national development helping to build long-lasting people-to-people links.