13-Oct-08 07:21pm AEDT
Our international projects are an extension of our enduring beliefs.
Australia's international relations must reflect our nation's core values; in particular, our commitment to peace and cooperation among nations founded on international justice, our concern for universal human rights and democratic processes and our concern to see the eradication of global poverty.
Labor are committed to the principle that every person should have the right to a say, directly or indirectly, in the decisions that affect his or her life. This right includes democratic participation in the choice of governments.
In our commitments to the APPD scheme we will further this principle. Labor believes that institutions such as political parties should promote fairness and balance. Given a fair go, people can better themselves and the world around them.
These principles are at the very heart of the progressive approach to helping build democracy in recipient countries through assistance to political parties. Strengthening democratic institutions such as political parties is a lynchpin in our strategy to secure a stable and prosperous future for ourselves in the region.
In choosing recipient political parties for APPDP schemes, we will take into consideration elements of ideology but it is not the only consideration. Where like-minded parties exist, we will engage them as partners in development. Where political parties are differentiated by other criteria, we will seek to strengthen democratic institutions and promote stable and effective governance across the board.