MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Hunt
Australia's international aid workers are set to receive more support to help them deal with the stresses of working in disaster and war-torn areas in the Asia Pacific.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Greg Hunt said humanitarian assistance workers often had to deal with enormous human grief and tragedy.
Mr Hunt said the Australian Government would provide $1 million over four years to set up a local branch of the Antares Foundation which will deliver support and care for aid workers.
'The Antares Foundation Australia will be important in preparing and protecting our valued humanitarian aid workers who respond to disasters and emergencies,' Mr Hunt said.
'Foundation staff have specific experience and training in psychosocial support programs. They offer support for workers heading both in and out of areas of need.
'Their work will be important in helping those who help areas afflicted by complex humanitarian emergencies, disasters and armed conflicts.
'The Antares Foundation Australia will offer professional, responsive and supportive networks for humanitarian aid agencies and their staff.'
Mr Hunt said the Foundation estimates Australian non-government organisations assist some 124 countries and have at least 5000 Australian deployed staff, volunteers and overseas placements.
Former humanitarian aid and development workers established the Antares Foundation in The Netherlands in 1999. Its Australian branch is to be based in Melbourne.
The Foundation assists aid agencies to effectively manage and support their staff, focusing solely on the development issues of mental health and the well-being of national and international humanitarian aid workers.
It also coordinates research projects to assess stress management of humanitarian aid workers and studies mental health risks and other factors affecting aid workers.
Media contacts:
John Deller (Mr Hunt's office) on 0400 496 596
AusAID (Public Affairs) on 0417 680 590