MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Six months ago today the horrific bomb attack in Bali killed 88 young
Australians. This tragic anniversary reminds us of the threat posed to all of us
by terrorism. It destroys lives and can cause long-lasting economic damage.
Australia places a high priority on working closely with regional partners to
combat this scourge, particularly with Indonesia. Our shared suffering from the
Bali atrocity has brought our two countries closer together and strengthened our
joint resolve to defeat terrorism in our region.
Today I am pleased to announce that Australia has established a
Rehabilitation Fund to assist Balinese businesses and business people affected
by the bombings.
While the full impact on the economy is not yet clear, the downturn in the
tourist industry is causing hardship not only in Bali but in surrounding areas
such as Lombok and East Java.
Australia has contributed $750,000 to the fund which will be in place for a
year.
The fund will disburse grants to those most vulnerable to poverty as a result
of lost opportunities to small businesses. These grants will facilitate
additional training to help expand employment prospects and improve the
viability of existing small businesses.
Support will also be given to small business proposals that generate
alternative incomes and improve access to new markets.
The scheme will be managed through the AusAID-funded Bali-based Australian
Community and Civil Society Strengthening Scheme.
The Bali Rehabilitation Fund is part of Australia's broader humanitarian
response to the Bali bombing - earlier this year, the Australian Government
announced substantial assistance for Bali's health sector to serve as a memorial
to those who lost their lives in the Bali bombings.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489