Australia’s aid program in Solomon Islands continues to grow
Australia’s aid program to Solomon Islands continues to grow, reflecting Australia’s strong commitment to Solomon Islands, the transition of RAMSI development programs to the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership for Development and joint efforts by both governments to improve the lives of all Solomon Islanders.
The Australian Government will provide an estimated A$187.9 million in official development assistance to Solomon Islands in the 2013-14 financial year. The funding was announced this week as part of the Australian Government budget.
This consists of support from AusAID, to be delivered through the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership for Development of an estimated A$104.1 million in 2013-2014. In addition, there is an estimated A$24.4 million for regional and global programs which work in Solomon Islands, and an estimated A$59.5 million for Solomon Islands for assistance delivered by other Australian Government agencies.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Matt Anderson said funding for the year ahead reflects the expanded Partnership for Development, with transition of RAMSI development programs to the Australian bilateral aid program from 1 July 2013.
New funding delivered through the Partnership for Development will:
• support Solomon Islands to improve budget, financial and public service management and accountability through the training of 5,000 public servants each year
• improve outcomes in the justice sector, including by: increasing the number of trained Community Officers by over 70 per cent and reducing average remand times by one month by 2016–17
• support the national elections process in Solomon Islands by ensuring the integrity of the electoral roll and undertaking voter education and awareness.
This complements ongoing Australian support to health, education, infrastructure and rural development.
“The transition of RAMSI development programs to the bilateral aid program means that Solomon Islands is Australia’s third largest aid program. Programs and funding have been maintained and will continue to make a difference to people’s lives and livelihoods,” Mr Anderson said.
“Through the Partnership, Australia’s assistance is directed where it’s most needed – in support of the Solomon Islands Government’s priorities as outlined in the National Development Strategy.”
During the visit to Honiara earlier this month by AusAID Director General Peter Baxter, Solomon Islands and Australia agreed to an enhanced Partnership for Development to capture RAMSI development programs. The new Partnership covers justice services, support for elections and strengthened support for public sector management, complementing ongoing efforts to improve the delivery of health and education services, promote rural development, support transport infrastructure and maintain macroeconomic stability.
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AusAID Director General Peter Baxter and Minister Connelly Sandakabatu at the Australia Partneship for Development talks.