First Major Event for Centre for Democratic Institutions

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

I am delighted to launch today the first major event
undertaken by the Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI) set up by the Federal
Government to help developing countries establish and strengthen democratic
institutions and practices.

The CDI , which I announced last year, gives effect
to the Government's commitment to good governance and human rights, particularly
in the Asia Pacific.

The centre is based in the Research School of Social
Sciences at the Australian National University and provides support for
developing countries through exchanges of information, training courses,
attachments and networking. It focuses particularly on parliamentary and
judicial processes, public sector reform, the media and non-government
organisations.

It is fitting, given the Government's focus on the
region, that the CDI's first major activity addresses issues of good governance
in the South Pacific.

The event, a workshop for Melanesian ombudsmen on
'Accountability and Corruption in Melanesia', will evaluate the role and
experiences of ombudsmen in Melanesia and consider future challenges.

Specific issues to be discussed include political,
economic and cultural influences on ombudsmen in the Pacific, the complaints
function of ombudsmen, corruption, and constitutional and legal questions
relating to the status of Melanesian ombudsmen. The office of ombudsman helps
ensure transparency and accountability of government decision making.

The workshop, sponsored by the CDI, the National
Centre for Development Studies and the State, Society and Governance in
Melanesia Project, also at the ANU, will help provide a higher profile to the
role of ombudsmen in protecting citizens from arbitrary or self-interested
actions by those in positions of public trust.