MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Mass poverty remains the single most important economic and social issue on
our planet, according to the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Chris
Gallus.
At least 1.2 billion people - 60 times the population of Australia - live in
extreme poverty, two-thirds of them in our own Asia-Pacific region.
And on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Mrs Gallus says
Australians should reflect on the fact that the average personal income of our
regional neighbours is less than $A15 a week.
'Poverty can mean many different forms of deprivation - often a struggle for
food, shelter, clean water and access to even the most basic levels of
education, health and other services,' she said.
'The poor are often excluded from being involved in decisions that affect
them - and are especially vulnerable to shocks such as drought, civil conflict,
illness and environmental degradation.'
Mrs Gallus said Australia had committed $1.815 billion in 2002-03 on overseas
aid to help reduce poverty and build a safer, more secure region. This includes
$230 million for health, $280 million for education, $240 million for rural
development, $60 million for environment programs and $80 million for water and
sanitation.
'In any given calendar year, our aid program will help more than 58 million
people in need,' she said.
Mrs Gallus said this not only reflected our desire to help others less
fortunate than ourselves, but was also in the national interest.
'Recent events in our region and beyond have highlighted the fragility of
peace and stability in the face of poverty, inequality, undemocratic regimes,
ethnic tensions and weak state institutions,' she said.
'The international observance of this day is about raising awareness of the
need to eradicate poverty in all countries, but particularly in developing
countries.'
Mrs Gallus said that improving the delivery of basic services in partner
countries contributed both to our national interest and to the region's
security, and strengthened Australia's effectiveness in promoting a more
peaceful Asia-Pacific region.
Media contacts:
Craig Bildstien (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0407 604 437
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489