MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
The Hon Melissa Parke MP, Minister for International Development
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Minister for International Development, Melissa Parke, today welcomed the Fred Hollows Foundation and Save the Children to the Government's NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Ms Parke and representatives from the two organisations signed the agreement at a meeting held today and attended by Australia's top NGO Chiefs working with the Government to deliver Australian Aid.
'I am proud to today have signed an agreement with the Fred Hollows Foundation and Save the Children Australia, which will see them included as Partners in AusAID's NGO Cooperation Program,' Ms Parke said.
Ms Parke underlined the Government's commitment to provide AusAID's key NGO Partners with four year funding arrangements, giving NGOs more certainty in their work to alleviate poverty.
'Funding for AusAID's key NGO Partners, through the AusAID NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), will increase to $106.5 million in 2013-14,' Ms Parke said.
Ms Parke also said she was delighted one of the first official functions in her role as Minister for International Development was meeting Australia's key aid program partners.
'The work Australian NGOs do internationally is truly impressive, and they are a vital partner in helping implement Australia's overseas development assistance program.
'NGOs work with some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world to deliver basic education, access to health services and build better civic infrastructure.'
Ms Parke said Australian NGOs brought particular strengths to Australia's aid program, and some have been working in international aid and development for more than 60 years.'
'NGOs often have strong links with community groups in developing countries, and they often work in areas where government-to-government aid is not possible,' Ms Parke said.
The Fred Hollows Foundation works with AusAID throughout the Asia Pacific region and Africa training and equipping local doctors to perform eye surgery. In 2012 the Foundation and partners treated more than eight million people.
Save the Children Australia is well known for its work protecting the rights of vulnerable children. AusAID's Partnership with Save the Children includes work in nutrition, primary health care and access to basic education.
Media Contact: Ronald Mizen – 0409 447 025