MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
News and current affairs will receive a boost in the Pacific through a new
Australian media assistance initiative, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign
Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, announced today on World Press Freedom Day.
'The Australian Government's overseas aid program, AusAID, will provide $2.1
million over three years to the Pacific Media and Communications Facility,' Mrs
Gallus said.
'The media and communications sectors have a critical role to play in
promoting accountability and transparent decision making.
'The program aims to support better political, business and economic
reporting and improve standards of investigative journalism,' Mrs Gallus
said.
'Regional media bodies, governments and non-government organisations will
benefit significantly from more effective information exchange.
'The program also aims to improve ethical standards, media laws and coverage
of regional governance meetings such as the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting.
'The Australian Government has recently contributed more than $4.5 million to
highlight the importance of an independent media in promoting development and
economic growth in the region,' Mrs Gallus said.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 or 0417 683 126