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PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER
FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS THE HON CHRIS GALLUS MP
Public Administration in East Timor will benefit from a new Australian development cooperation initiative being launched in Dili today.
The program, the Australia-East Timor Capacity Building Facility, was launched by Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus.
'This is an exciting initiative as it addresses the needs of different bodies and is based on a strong partnership approach,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The project works by providing support to the Government of East Timor, non-government organisations and statutory authorities in the areas of health, rural development, water and sanitation, governance and education.
'It provides short and long term technical advisers, training programs, and policy research and development. Activities are approved by a joint Australia-East Timor Committee.
'These activities include training and language support, finance advice, environmental testing and assistance for tax officers and budget preparation, support for small and medium industries, civilian law enforcement advice, human resource planning and the development of a local government database,' Mrs Gallus said.
This program will assist the Government of East Timor, small businesses and NGOs to develop the skills needed to service the people of East Timor.
The $18 million program will run for three years and is managed by Illawarra Technology Corporation (ITC) on behalf of the Australian Government. ITC is responsible for mobilising and managing a range of capacity building activities and employing advisers to carry out the work.
Contacts:
Alex Knox (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277
4840 / 0411 287 257
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683 126