OVERVIEW

Australia continues to demonstrate regional leadership and a commitment to ending poverty in the Asia-Pacific region by increasing the contribution to the Asian Development Fund. The Asian Development Fund supports developing countries by providing highly concessional loans and grants for inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to UNHCR, there are more than 9,000 refugees in Papua New Guinea. Most are unable to work legally and have only limited access to public services.

Rebuilding infrastructure is a critical need in areas emerging from violent conflict. By supporting infrastructure initiatives, Australia contributes to building an environment where jobs can be created, services are delivered and communities are connected.

Release of the mid-term review of Development for All—Australia’s strategy for disability-inclusive development

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Bob Carr

Media release

4 December 2012

Australia will make a $66 million commitment to reducing child and maternal deaths in Papua New Guinea by providing up to 1,400 nursing and midwifery scholarships to reduce child and mortality death rates.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr made the announcement at Mt Hagen Hospital in the PNG Highlands, accompanied by PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato and Western Highlands Governor Paias Wingti.

Food, Water and Livelihoods in Pacific Islands under Increasing Threat from Climate Change

Invasive Species, Waste, and Extreme Weather Events among Key Challenges

Doha (Qatar), 4 December 2012 – Island communities in the Pacific Ocean are facing unprecedented challenges to their economies and environment from the impacts of climate change, according to a new report released at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Doha, Qatar.

Policy Threatens Unaccompanied Kids, Young Asylum Seekers

(Geneva, November 25, 2012) – The Australian government should immediately stop transfers of migrant children - including unaccompanied migrant children and child asylum seekers - to offshore processing sites in Manus Island of Papua New Guinea, and Nauru, Human Rights Watch said today.

East Asian leaders have agreed to form an alliance with Pacific nations to accelerate the fight against malaria and overcome the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the disease.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, speaking in Phnom Penh at the East Asia Summit, committed $1 million to support the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance.

Prime Minister Gillard said the Alliance will promote regional political leadership and collaboration on combating malaria.