On 18 March 2015 Minister Bishop opened a Photographic Exhibition at Parliament House to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Australian Non-Government Organisation Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Australian NGOs are on the front line in developing countries, helping Australia to foster economic growth, good governance and stability around the world. They also play a pivotal role on the ground, responding to humanitarian crises and disasters as we are seeing now, assisting the Vanuatu people in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Pam.
Minister Bishop emphasised the importance of all sectors working together, noting that "partnership is the watch word in development work and in aid".
"There's a strong partnership between the Australian Government and NGOs. There is an equally strong partnership between the Australian Government and the private sector in development work and what is important is the partnership between NGOs and the private sector."
Acknowledging the work of NGOs over the past 40 years, Minister Bishop applauded their critical work. "NGOs bring to the table their experience, their technical knowhow, their connections with local communities, their understanding of how development work should succeed".
In 2014-15, the Australian Government has allocated $134 million to 48 accredited Australian NGOs to deliver 615 community projects that complement and strengthen Australia's overall efforts to alleviate poverty. These NGOs are working alongside more than 3000 in-country partners which will directly benefit more than 23 million people across 56 developing countries.
- Minister's speech: Address to ANCP 40th Anniversary Photographic Exhibition
- The Australian NGO Cooperation Program Brochure
- The Australian NGO Cooperation Program 40th Anniversary Exhibition Booklet
- More about the Australian Non-Government Organisation Cooperation Program
