Australia's International Development Assistance Program 2013–14
5.1 Aid programs delivered by OGDs
| Department / Agency | Actuals ($m) 2011–12 |
Estimated Outcome ($m) 2012–13 |
Budget Estimate ($m) 2013–14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration and Citizenship |
61.7
|
434.0
|
436.2
|
| Australian Federal Police |
184.3
|
140.2
|
121.2
|
| Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) |
89.6
|
93.3
|
96.3
|
| Foreign Affairs and Trade |
34.1
|
18.7
|
38.0
|
| Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education |
29.0
|
44.1
|
36.1
|
| Treasury |
27.5
|
41.0
|
26.3
|
| Health and Ageing |
16.9
|
16.4
|
13.0
|
| Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry |
8.4
|
9.4
|
10.2
|
| Education, Employment and Workplace Relations |
20.0
|
5.9
|
5.3
|
| Attorney-General's |
6.6
|
7.6
|
4.7
|
| Infrastructure and Transport |
4.5
|
4.5
|
4.6
|
| Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy |
1.5
|
1.4
|
1.4
|
| Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport |
1.1
|
1.2
|
1.1
|
| Finance and Deregulation |
1.1
|
1.1
|
0.6
|
| Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |
0.8
|
1.0
|
0.6
|
| Australian Customs and Border Protection Service |
4.6
|
2.3
|
0.5
|
| Defence |
11.2
|
9.2
|
0.4
|
| Prime Minister and Cabinet |
0.1
|
–
|
–
|
| Other Australian government Agencies |
0.1
|
–
|
–
|
| States and Territories |
3.1
|
3.5
|
4.0
|
| Total |
506.1
|
834.6
|
800.5
|
Note: This list is based on the most recent machinery of government changes, as outlined in the Administrative Arrangements Order of 25 March 2013.
Australia applies a whole-of-government approach to aid delivery. This means that we utilise the individual skills, strengths and expertise of Other Government Departments (OGDs)–including Commonwealth, State and Territory government departments and agencies to deliver effective aid. This approach has been praised internationally, most notably by the OECD.
The inaugural Annual Review of Aid Effectiveness, released in January 2013, noted the importance of initiatives we have implemented as part of Effective Aid to assist OGDs to deliver aid and report on the effectiveness of their aid programs. From 2013–14, these include the adoption of whole-of-government uniform standards for planning, delivering, monitoring and reporting of ODA.
Whole of government oversight of Australia's aid program is provided by the Development Effectiveness Steering Committee (DESC), a cross-agency committee that advises the Australian Government on major aid policy and aid budget priorities and concerns. The DESC is chaired by AusAID's Director General, and its membership includes senior executives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD), the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), and the Treasury. The DESC oversees work across all government agencies that deliver aid by providing strategic budgetary guidance and by developing and applying consistent approaches to planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation.
Table 4 above shows ODA-eligible expenditure by OGDs in 2013–14, from monies appropriated directly to those departments and agencies. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship accounts for close to 54 per cent of the aid expenditure by other government agencies. It manages care and support programs for asylum seekers and displaced persons throughout South East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. ODA funds are also used to support some sustenance costs of on-shore asylum seekers. The Australian Federal Police and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) also manage large aid programs.
OGDs will undertake the following types of ODA-eligible activities in 2013–14.
OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)–$436.2 million
DIAC will work with partner governments in South East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East to build capacity to effectively manage migration flows. DIAC will also provide care and support for asylum seekers and displaced persons in these regions. In 2013–14, DIAC will support displaced persons in Afghanistan through the Displaced Persons Program and in Indonesia through Regional Cooperation Arrangements. DIAC will also increase registrations, Refugee Status Determinations and referrals for asylum seekers in Indonesia. DIAC will implement biometrics within the Sri Lankan passport application process to reduce identity fraud; train officials in the region to strengthen their capacity to detect irregular movement; and build capacity in the region to enhance migration and border management.
DIAC also support asylum seekers from developing countries to live in the Australian community. Consistent with OECD Development Assistance Committee directives, the Government will report the costs associated with the sustenance of asylum seekers on residence determinations or bridging visas class E during their first 12 months in Australia as ODA. These sustenance costs include accommodation, food, clothing and other basic necessities.
The actual expenditure on ODA eligible asylum seekers costs will vary depending on the number of arrivals and their length of stay in the community. To ensure predictable planning and management of the ODA budget, the Government will cap expenditure from the existing ODA funding envelope in any one year at $375 million. Any expenditure over this cap will be in addition to the ODA budget target for that year.
DIAC's activities contribute to the strategic goals of effective governance by helping regional governments to improve their own migration management processes and humanitarian and disaster response by providing sustainment to refugees in Australia.
Australian Federal Police (AFP)–$121.2 million
AFP will continue its contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 2013–17 to support RAMSI's transition from a security focus to an indigenous capacity development focus. RAMSI aims to rebuild Solomon Islands institutions, including those responsible for law, order, justice and corrections, in order to establish conditions under which Solomon Islanders can achieve social and economic recovery.
AFP will consolidate and develop the Pacific Police Development Program (PPDP), building on bilateral, trilateral and regional cooperation to support law enforcement and rule of law programs. These will focus particularly on Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga. The PPDP aims to support Australia's aid objectives by continuing to improve the capacity of Pacific police organisations to promote community safety, stability and security.
The Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) has five major areas of support: operational, administration, discipline, legislation and training. These reflect the objectives of the Government of Timor-Leste and the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) Strategic Plan. The TLPDP will continue to improve the capacity of the PNTL, particularly through the delivery of leadership and investigative training, emphasising professionalism and accountability.
Australia will support coalition efforts to stabilise Afghanistan by prioritising AFP development, training and mentoring against the strategic development requirements of the Afghan National Police (ANP). This support will positively influence Afghan and coalition efforts to develop a credible policing capability within Regional Command South that aligns with the Afghan Ministry of Interior ANP Strategy and the ANP Plan.
AFP will also provide support to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). This aligns with the Australian Government's policy of enhancing support to, and engagement with, the United Nations. It also implements the Australian Government's commitment to provide continued support for law and justice development in Africa as outlined in 2012 The Year Ahead. UNMISS's objective is to consolidate peace and security in the new republic.
All of these activities will contribute to the strategic goal of effective governance.
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)–$96.3 million
ACIAR contributes to the aid program's strategic goal of Sustainable Economic Development by improving food security; improving incomes, employment and enterprise opportunities; and reducing the negative impacts of climate change and other environmental factors.
In 2013–14, ACIAR will continue to focus on supporting international agricultural research partnerships that reduce poverty. ACIAR will contribute to the development of new agricultural technologies and support research that improves the understanding of smallholder farmers who access and use these new technologies. This will contribute to improved agricultural productivity for over 750,000 farmers (at least 40 per cent women) and an increased crop value of more than half a billion dollars by 2015–16.
ACIAR has offices in seven countries and its projects focus largely on the Asia–Pacific region. Papua New Guinea and Indonesia are the recipients of the largest programs of research collaboration. ACIAR also works to improve productivity in Timor-Leste, to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods in Myanmar, to build technical capacity in Pakistan, and to address challenges of technology, markets and policy faced by smallholder farmers in Africa.
Alongside its research programs in partner countries in our region and around the world, ACIAR will continue its direct financial support to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). This funding will facilitate system-wide research programs and specific projects.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)–$38.0 million
In 2013–14, DFAT will provide funding for Indonesia's Debt-to-Health Swap, whereby Indonesia will invest in programs combating tuberculosis in exchange for cancellation of up to $75 million of debt owed to Australia. This advances MDG 6 and helps minimise the spread of tuberculosis in our region. Indonesians will benefit from improved access to tuberculosis treatment and prevention programs through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
DFAT also manages some of Australia's ODA-eligible assessed contributions to the United Nations. These include the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) education projects and UN peacekeeping operations globally. UNESCO projects will strengthen member states' capacity to deliver comprehensive HIV education, promote gender equality and protect human rights. Australian UN Military Observers will monitor ceasefires and help prevent the escalation of security incidents, thus facilitating development.
With AusAID funding of $11 million, DFAT manages Direct Aid Program grants for community-level projects that reduce poverty and promote development. Community groups in over 80 countries will benefit from small-scale development projects in the health, education, agriculture, environment and youth sectors.
DFAT's varied activities will contribute to achievements across the five strategic goals of the aid program.
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE)–$36.1 million
The Endeavour Awards are administered by DIICCSRTE and delivered under the Australia Awards Scholarships program. Endeavour Awards focus on developing education and research links between individuals, organisations and countries. They provide opportunities to undertake short or long term study, research or professional development in a range of disciplines across the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.
The Endeavour Awards make a significant contribution to Australia's aid program, delivering an achievement stream that targets the best and brightest students, researchers and professionals from developed and developing countries. The Awards contribute primarily to the strategic goals of promoting opportunities for all and sustainable economic development.
In 2013–14 DIICCSRTE will continue to develop ongoing educational, research and professional linkages between individuals and organisations in Australia and selected partner regions and countries. This will provide opportunities for high achieving individuals from overseas to increase their skills and enhance their global awareness.
Treasury–$26.3 million
In 2013–14, Treasury will process payments of previously agreed capital increases to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development of the World Bank Group (WBG). These payments will fund a range of development activities in ODA-eligible countries. The Australian Multilateral Assessment found that Australia can have a high degree of confidence that increases in core funding to the ADB and WBG will deliver tangible development benefits in line with Australia's development objectives and that the investment will represent good value for money.
Treasury will also provide deployees under whole of government programs such as the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), the Strongim Gavman Program in PNG, and the Government Partnerships Fund in Indonesia. Treasury also participates in twinning initiatives with PNG and Solomon Islands. These programs will continue to develop capacity in the PNG, Indonesian, and Solomon Islands Economics and Finance Ministries to promote sustainable economic development and effective governance.
Treasury's varied activities will contribute to achievements across the five strategic goals of the aid program.
Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)–$13.0 million
DoHA's annual contribution to the World Health Organization (WHO) supports WHO's capacity building efforts on health issues worldwide, particularly in developing countries. As the United Nations' directing and coordinating authority for health, the WHO provides leadership on global health matters.
DoHA engages with partner ministries, primarily in the Asia region, in areas of mutual interest. Given the global nature of health issues it is in our national interest to develop strong international ties. DoHA administers the Pacific Senior Health Officials Network (PSHON), which strengthens health systems governance in the Pacific. The PSHON will continue to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise among Pacific health officials, as well as the establishment of institutional linkages between health ministries in the Pacific.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) offers grants to support medical research in developing countries. NHMRC's grants to Australian institutions to conduct research overseas will total approximately $6.1 million in 2013–14 under 34 different programs.
DoHA will continue to engage with overseas health ministries, predominantly through information exchanges under Memoranda of Understanding and associated Plans of Action. DoHA's delivery of Australian aid contributes to the strategic goal of saving lives.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)–$10.2 million
DAFF will continue to manage Australia's annual membership contribution to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2013–14. Australian aid will also be provided for the International Agricultural Cooperation, Regional Animal Biosecurity, and Improved Animal Welfare programs. These programs support animal disease prevention, preparedness, response and control activities, thereby improving food security and reducing the chances of animal to human disease transmission. This contributes to the strategic goals of saving lives and sustainable economic development.
International Agricultural Cooperation Program activities improve market access and promote trade growth for Australia's agriculture industries. The program promotes rural exports by building bilateral relationships and providing technical and capacity building assistance to targeted trading partners. The development of common approaches to improve and/or harmonise regulatory and technical requirements for trade and market access is a key priority of the program. Strengthened bilateral agrifood–business linkages will also support market development and industry integration.
The Regional Animal Biosecurity Program operates in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste to reduce exotic disease threats to Australia and protect our biosecurity. The program also improves counterpart staff skills in survey planning and implementation to strengthen the disease surveillance capacity of partner countries.
The Improved Animal Welfare Program (IAWP) assists eligible countries to better understand and apply the World Organisation for Animal Health's (OIE) animal welfare guidelines on livestock transport, slaughter of animals for human consumption and handling at feedlots. IAWP operates in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Turkey, Jordan, Mauritius and Egypt. A key activity of the program is the implementation of OIE compliant animal handling procedures at abattoirs and feedlots in eligible countries.
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)–$5.3 million
DEEWR administers the Seasonal Worker Program, which commenced on 1 July 2012 and allows workers from participating countries to undertake between 14 weeks and six months work with Australian employers who can demonstrate an unmet demand for low-skilled labour. Up to 12,000 places will be available to employers over the four years of the program, and workers are recruited from nine partner countries: Timor-Leste, Nauru, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
DEEWR also administers the Australian Government's annual membership subscription to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Australian Government provides additional funding to the ILO through the Australian Government ILO Partnership Agreement 2010–2015. The Partnership Agreement is jointly administered by DEEWR and AusAID. Funding through the Partnership supports ILO technical assistance programs that promote sustainable development and decent work in the Asia–Pacific region.
These activities contribute to the strategic goal of sustainable economic development.
Attorney General's Department (AGD)–$4.7 million
In 2013–14, AGD will continue to consolidate and build on previous work in the Asia–Pacific region. AGD will undertake capacity building work and strengthen legal frameworks in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to combat irregular migration. AGD will also build on its existing regional work program through the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime to advance regional cooperation against irregular migration, and will provide support to the newly established Regional Support Office to implement regional capacity building initiatives on legal issues.
AGD's work strengthens effective governance and supports countries to develop the laws and skills needed to shut down avenues for irregular maritime movement and deprive people smugglers of profit and capital by confiscating their financial proceeds.
AGD will continue to work in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to deliver the second phase of the Pacific Police Development Program, providing capacity building and support for law enforcement and rule of law programs in Pacific island countries. AGD's programs in the Asia–Pacific region will facilitate more effective governance in partner countries, which is necessary to break the cycle of poverty and violence, tackle corruption, improve security and enhance justice.
New initiative: Enhancing the regional response to irregular migration |
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The Government will invest an additional $65.8 million over four years to implement an Integrated Strategy, coordinated by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), to respond to key recommendations contained in the Expert Panel Report on Asylum Seekers (specifically recommendations 3, 6 and 16). DIAC and the Attorney Generals Department will implement the strategy through a range of initiatives, including:
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Box 8: Uniform standards across whole of government |
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