Tracking Development And Governance In The Pacific 2009 Report

AA 46/09
3 August 2009

Tracking development and governance in the Pacific 2009 report

Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, today released the second annual Tracking development and governance in the Pacific report.

"The Pacific region is seriously off track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The people of the Pacific expect us all, donors and Pacific island governments alike, to do much better," Mr McMullan said.

"Some countries have made significant progress towards the MDGs. For example,
Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have more than halved their rates of malaria infection between 2003 and 2008. This shows that quick development gains are possible with strong commitments from government and development partners.

"Despite this progress around 400,000 children across the region are still not making it into a primary school. Around 64 out of every 1,000 children in the region are dying before the age of five. Perhaps most worryingly, in some countries the number of mothers dying while giving birth is getting worse."

The report highlights the need for a new development framework for the Pacific to ensure better prioritisation of expenditure by Pacific Islands Forum governments and better coordination of all resources for development to achieve the MDGs.

In launching the report at today's Lowy Institute conference, 'The Pacific Islands and the World', in Brisbane, Mr McMullan said: "We are mutually accountable for the results achieved. Governments need better plans, budget frameworks and financial systems that prioritise resources to the MDGs. Donors must coordinate better, cut back on the multitude of inconsistent projects and follow the lead of Pacific Island countries."

Experience from the region demonstrates that improved government effectiveness is achievable and critical for the MDGs. For example, across the Pacific as a whole, in 2008 a 10 per cent improvement in government effectiveness, as measured by the World Bank, would have resulted in around 1,800 fewer children dying before their fifth birthday.

Australia's Pacific Partnerships for Development emphasise this approach in key sectors such as basic education, health and infrastructure. The partnerships provide a platform for improved coordination of support from all donors, not just Australia. Mr McMullan said: "As the report highlights, together we bring the resources necessary to turn ambition into reality and make faster progress towards the MDGs."

The report can be downloaded at:
www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pdf/track_devgov09.pdf




Media Contacts:
Margaret Watt (Mr McMullan's office)
0438 271 749

AusAID Public Affairs
0417 680 590






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


SOURCE: AusAID