Australians have in the past been in denial about our geography. They have hoped to wake up one day and find themselves in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These days, we recognise and are proud to be a country of the Pacific.

Date:  17 October 2008

If you’re from Western Australia, like Stephen Smith and myself, you know that we’re also an Indian Ocean country – an honour we share with a large part of Africa. Australia is taking its first steps in forging a new partnership with Africa and one area to reflect this will be our increased international development assistance to the region.

Major changes have been taking place across the continent that give rise to real optimism about its future, but Africa still faces major development challenges.

Australia could not be serious about our commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) without engaging in Africa. This financial year, Australia will provide over $115 million in development assistance to Africa, and most recently we committed to provide $10 million in humanitarian aid for communities adversely affected by severe drought in Ethiopia.

Australia is uniquely placed to share with Africa our valuable experience in areas such as agriculture, mining, and irrigation.

In implementing the AAA, and the principles of the Paris Declaration which underpin them, we will ensure that we deliver efficient and effective aid with reduced transaction costs by working with partners who are already active in the field.

Increasing our effort in Africa, while ensuring that we specialise in areas where we can make the greatest impact without increasing the bureaucratic burden and transaction costs on development partners is an exciting challenge.

Delivering on our commitments in this area will reflect a strong Labor tradition of support and engagement and reflect the fundamental values we represent.

Improving predictability to allow for better planning and delivery;

Using existing systems in recipient countries to deliver aid whenever possible, reducing costly duplication by donors;

Reducing the conditions placed how aid funding can be spent to better align aid with recipient country priorities; and

Relaxing restrictions by donors that have previously prevented recipient countries from buying the goods and services they need at the best possible price.