Consultative Forum On The Australian Aid Program

Consultative Forum on the Australian Aid Program

Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan today hosted the first of two civil society consultative forums on the Australian aid program.

The forums, to be held in Sydney and Melbourne, bring together experts from the business, academic and community sector in a roundtable discussion.

"These forums present an excellent opportunity for the Australian aid program to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the delivery of our international development assistance," Mr McMullan said.

"This is part of an ongoing process to engage the wider community in an open discussion on the scope and shape of a larger, more effective aid program."

The Government is fulfilling its election promise to increase Australia's Official Development Assistance to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income by 2015-16. In doing so Australia is committing to a stronger, more effective aid program that will help millions of people living in poverty access education and health services.

The consultative forums on the Australian aid program involve a series of annual events which replace the Aid Advisory Council. In 2009 these events are scheduled for 25 September in Sydney and 1 October in Melbourne.

Media Contacts: Sam Casey (Mr McMullan's office) 0421 697 660
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590

Media releases and speeches are available on AusAID's website www.ausaid.gov.au

SOURCE: AusAID