MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia will assist the Government of Vanuatu embark on a series of reforms
to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of its police force, the
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, MP said today.
The reforms will begin through an 18 month interim capacity building project,
administered by AusAID, due to start in February 2003. The project will provide
initial support to the management of the police force and lay the groundwork for
a longer-term institutional strengthening project.
'The initial measures will provide management advice to the Police
Commissioner and the Police Service Commission, improve working conditions at
the Port Vila Police Station and review police employment conditions and salary
levels,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The project will build on and complement existing and future activities by
the Defence Cooperation Program and the Australian Federal Police. These two
programs have been working on strengthening the Vanuatu Law and Justice Sector
over the past two decades.'
'Australia is also helping strengthen other key legal institutions in
Vanuatu, especially the State Law Office, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the
Public Solicitor's Office. Support for the public prosecutor's office has helped
reduce the time taken for the processing of briefs from six months to two.'
Within the State Law Office, legislative drafting training and the adoption
of a plain language approach has improved legislation. A new computerised
litigation register has also been introduced which has improved operational
efficiency.
'Australia is committed to supporting the strengthening of law and justice in
the Pacific. As a result it is also working with police forces in Solomon
Islands, PNG and Samoa to build organisational capacity and introduce community
policing approaches.'
'The Australian Government believes effective law and justice systems promote
human, national and regional security, increase international confidence and
help attract foreign investment,' Mrs Gallus said.
Contacts:
Craig Bildstien (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960