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Australia's Aid Program Crucial to More Secure and Prosperous Region

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Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

Australia's aid program is playing a crucial role in the Government's broader efforts to build regional security and growth.

As I outlined in the 12th Statement on Australia's Development Cooperation Program in the Federal Parliament today, the links between development and security have never been clearer.

This is why we are pursuing a strengthened engagement with Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. This involves the closer engagement of a range of Government agencies, including Treasury and the Australian Federal Police. It is underpinned by our aid program which is concentrated on the areas critical to security and growth - law and order, economic governance and the delivery of health, education and other services.

In our wider region, the aid program continues to place a high priority on preventing conflict and combating terrorism. This includes direct counter-terrorism assistance in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. It also includes continuing to make it more difficult for terrorists to find a foothold in the region by strengthening stability, governance and growth.

And as trade liberalisation has the potential to lift millions out of poverty and contribute enormously to greater regional stability, Australia will continue to maintain a strong linkage between our trade and aid policies. This includes continuing to pursue greater market access for goods from developing countries, particularly in agriculture, as well as assistance to help countries maximise the benefits of globalisation.

Australia's aid will amount to an estimated $1.9 billion in 2003-04. In a more uncertain international environment, this assistance remains a strong expression of Australia's commitment to helping our neighbours overcome those sources of instability and insecurity that threaten growth, prosperity and development.

The 12th Annual Statement on Australia's Development Cooperation Program is available on the AusAID website, www.ausaid.gov.au

Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489

Last Updated: 25 February 2013
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