MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Sullivan
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Kathy Sullivan MP, today congratulated the Tasmanian community for its contribution to the Australian Government's official overseas aid program.
In a speech at a community and business forum in Launceston today, Mrs Sullivan said Australians can take pride in the positive contribution the overseas aid program is making to improving the lives of our neighbours.
'The purpose of these forums is to let Tasmanians know that their aid program really works and how Launceston businesses can get involved,' Mrs Sullivan said.
During the forums at the Matsons Function Centre, Mrs Sullivan discussed the priorities of the aid program, which is managed by AusAID - the Australian Agency for International Development.
'Poverty reduction and sustainable development are at the heart of our overseas aid efforts. But giving aid is not only about good intentions and our moral obligation to help the disadvantaged.
'Aid is also about advancing our national interest. By helping to improve the quality of life of the people in our region, we are also improving the prospects for regional stability, trade, investment and a greater number of jobs,' Mrs Sullivan said.
'Tasmania plays an important role in the overseas aid program. For example, Tasmanian businesses managed AusAID contracts worth over $8.2 million in the 1998-99 financial year.
'The Tasmanian education sector also plays a significant role in the overseas aid program, with 74 AusAID sponsored students studying at Tasmanian tertiary education institutions this year.
'The Australian Maritime College in Launceston makes an important contribution to development in the Pacific through its sea-faring training for Pacific Islanders.
'Through AusAID's overseas student support program the College is currently training 24 overseas students,' Mrs Sullivan said.
Media contacts:
Judi Nixon (Mrs Sullivan's office) 07 5591 1011/ 0411 287 258
Kirsten Hawke (AusAID) 02 6206 4971 / 0417 90 3429