1.9(4) Cross-regional programs

Cross-regional programs are funding allocations that benefit a number of regions, including sector-based initiatives. They are separate to programs managed under bilateral and multilateral arrangements.

Direct Aid Program

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) supports Australia’s wider foreign, trade and public diplomacy interests and assists developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. DAP provides practical assistance to community groups, government and non-government organisations, not-for-profit private organisations and individuals, while also helping to build a distinctive and positive image of Australia globally.

Under the DAP we provided $10.9 million in aid funding for over 750 projects in over 100 countries. Projects addressed a broad range of development needs including community health, gender equality, rural development, environmental issues and youth and education.

Government and public sector support

Since 2004, the Public Sector Linkages Program (PSLP) has supported public sector capacity building initiatives in developing countries, involving Australian Government agencies and public universities. In line with government priorities, the department began winding-down the PSLP. The 75 ongoing projects under the program will cease in June 2016.

We commenced a funding round for the new Government Partnerships for Development (GPFD) program. GPFD also supports capacity building activities involving Australian government agencies and public universities but on a larger scale than those under PSLP and for a maximum of three years. We approved $21.3 million in funding for 11 activities.

In addition to the PSLP and GPFD programs, the department provided $76.3 million to other Commonwealth departments to undertake 134 capacity building projects with developing country government agencies.

High Commissioner to Kenya, Geoff Tooth, with students and teachers from Immanuel Afrika Academy after laying the foundations for the construction of eight new DAP-funded classrooms, Nairobi, 20 November 2013. [DFAT]

Cross-regional health initiatives

We supported the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance, launched by the Prime Ministers of Australia and Vietnam on 10 October 2013. We funded the Asia Pacific HIV Capacity Building Program and the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS. We also utilised product development partnerships (public–private partnerships that focus on pharmaceutical research and development) to develop new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tests to treat and prevent malaria and tuberculosis.

Water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives

We began implementation of the Civil Society Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Fund. The fund will work with 13 civil society organisations delivering 29 water and sanitation activities in 19 countries. The aim is to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene for 3.5 million people in the Indo–Pacific region by 2018.

Rights and services for people with disability

Recognising that people with disability are some of the poorest in our region, the department funded 62 organisations and NGOs working with people with disabilities, and to provide services, to more than 158 000 people. The department is currently developing a new disability strategy that will guide support for disability-inclusive development through Australia’s aid program beyond 2015.

Support for the extractives sector

The department supported more effective mining policy and regulation in Indonesia, Mongolia and Africa. We funded the International Mining for Development Centre, partnering with universities and Australian state authorities, to assist Indonesia improve oversight of mining operations. Our training and curriculum support lifted the number of mining inspectors in Indonesia to 1000.