Additional Assistance for the People of East Timor

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

The Australian Government is providing additional assistance of $6 million to the people of East Timor. In expectation of the wet season, this assistance will include emergency shelter for thousands of displaced people and a farming package for those who have the capacity to begin to support their own food needs. This package will also provide for repatriation of East Timorese from West Timor and some of their basic needs before they are able to return to their homes.

Australia will provide approximately 3,600 'family kits'. These kits include shelter materials (plastic sheeting, timber and tools), and soap and safe water containers. This will provide basic shelter for approximately 18,000 people.

The start of the wet season in the next few weeks is a critical time in the annual agricultural cycle. Farmers will be provided with composite seed packs (including maize, mung beans, vegetables) and basic hand tools. Approximately 30,000 seed and tools packs will be channelled through Australian non-government organisations.

Australia will also provide funds to the United Nations World Food Programme to allow the continuation of air and sea transport services between Darwin and East Timor and to purchase 10 four wheel drive trucks to allow the delivery of relief assistance to continue during the wet season.

The provision of shelter, agricultural and transport assistance prior to the onset of the wet season is a good example of how Australia is helping the East Timorese to get on with rebuilding their lives.

As part of this package, Australia will provide $2 million to assist displaced people in West Timor. This will assist to fund the UNHCR repatriation program and provide for additional relief assistance to meet the basic needs of displaced people living in camps in West Timor until they are able to return to their homes.

While the task of recovery and reconstruction will be difficult, the Australian Government is determined to provide practical and effective assistance to the people of East Timor.