MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will contribute $1 million towards
the World Bank's multi-donor public financial management reform trust fund
for the West Bank and Gaza.
The World Bank established the reform trust fund to further strengthen the
Palestinian Authority's financial management mechanisms, to reduce poverty
and to support the advancement of the Middle East peace process.
These objectives accord with Australia's own policy goals including to
strengthen the capacity of Palestinian institutions to provide essential
services to Palestinian refugees.
Poor services and deteriorating infrastructure in Gaza, particularly in
Rafah, has marginalised vulnerable groups in Palestinian society. The
reform trust fund will assist the Palestinian Authority to sustain essential
service delivery to those Palestinians in most need.
The trust fund is performance-based and benchmarked on achievements in
budget allocations and accountability.
This contribution is part of an estimated $12 million in Australian
assistance to support Palestinian refugees over 2004/05.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489