The release of the 2010-11 AusAID Annual Report has highlighted our commitment to providing a transparent and effective aid program to our neighbouring countries and the world.
Some of the highlights outlined in the Annual Report include:
- AusAID was at the centre of Australia's response to the disastrous floods in Pakistan in 2010, partnering with the Australian Defence Force to establish a temporary civilian-military medical facility in Kot Addu, Punjab Province.
- In May 2011, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, officially launched Australian Volunteers for International Development, bringing together the government's four separate overseas volunteer programs under one readily identifiable brand.
- In October 2010, AusAID created the Australian Civilian Corps, bringing together civilian specialists to support stabilisation, recovery and development planning in countries experiencing or emerging from natural disaster or conflict.
- Australia moved closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by:
- helping over 250,000 children in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa to attend primary school without fees through a fee-relief program
- supporting the construction of 47 new schools and 173 additional facilities at existing schools, allowing enrolments to increase by 44,000 students In Indonesia
- continuing to support women's crisis centres in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu to provide medical treatment, counselling and other support services to women affected by violence
- continuing to support efforts to bring stability and security to Afghanistan, providing much needed opportunities for employment and improving rural incomes.
The year ahead
Enhanced effectiveness will be the cornerstone of Australia's aid program with AusAID's focus on delivering the government's response to the Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness to ensure the aid program delivers even better results.
The increase in the aid program of almost half a billion dollars will allow AusAID to continue to expand its programs in our region, particularly in Indonesia and the Pacific. These programs will include:
- education
- maternal and child health
- water and sanitation
- avoidable blindness
- ending violence against women.
Australia will also take a more prominent role as a contributor to multilateral organisations, humanitarian appeals and we will renew our efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
More information
See the full AusAID Annual Report 2010-2011
An Effective Aid Program for Australia: Making a real difference–Delivering real results