Precedence: bulk
The Canberra Times
May 12, 1999, Wednesday Edition
AUSAID PLANS OFFICE IN DILI
by: Marie Coleman
The crisis in East Timor will see an AusAID office opened in the new
Consulate-General in Dili.
The Government has made it clear that Australia will provide substantial
assistance to an autonomous or independent East Timor, the level and nature
of the assistance to be decided once the situation is clearer.
Meanwhile, Australian aid continues to be delivered as part of overall
aid to Indonesia. Australia is the largest donor to East Timor, providing
$7 million in 1998-99. It has pledged $20 million more in 1998-99 to help
the United Nations consultation process planned for August.
Total overseas development assistance for 1999-2000 will be $1.5
billion, $22 million more than in 1998-99, maintaining the level of
spending in real terms. Responding to the East Asian financial crisis
continues to be a priority. Assistance to Indonesia will increase by $6
million to $121 million.
The Asia Crisis Fund will double to $12 million, and continue to assist
countries most affected by the crisis to restore growth, protect social
investment and ensure appropriate safety nets.
A new three-year micro- finance initiative totalling $3 million will
serve as a catalyst for further micro- finance activities in the aid program.
Population and women's reproductive health remain a priority with total
direct expenditure in 1998-99 estimated at $37 million, and in direct
expenditure involving reproductive health a further $30 million in 1998-99.
Estimated Australian assistance to the health sector for 1999-2000 of $50.4
million is expected to see direct expenditure on family planning and
reproductive health care utilising 11 per cent of outlays.
Non-government-organisation and volunteer programs are expected to see
outlays of $42 million in 1999-2000, with the core NGO cooperation program
increasing by 7 per cent to $24.3 million. This program funds
community-based programs identified and often jointly funded by NGOs.
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development will continue.
Total aid to PNG will be $328.9 million. This will be the final year in
which Australia will provide budget support to PNG. Future aid will be
solely through specific projects and programs.
----------
SiaR WEBSITE: http://apchr.murdoch.edu.au/minihub/siarlist/maillist.html
