signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front holds much potential for progress. Australia will contribute to the peace process in Mindanao by building more capable and responsive state institutions and expanding economic opportunities for conflict-affected communities. Investing in effective governance will help support economic growth. Weak governance and a lack of budget transparency and accountability persist at the national and local levels and have a direct impact on the provision of basic services. Australia will strengthen the governance of public institutions in the Philippines by: helping to improve opportunities for women and girls to benefit equally from economic growth; and helping the Philippine Government to embed public finance reforms, and modernise its public financial management systems. By 2015, several million manual paper-based processes will be automated, helping to improve the efficiency and transparency of public spending. TIMOR-LESTE Australia’s response $96.6 million 2014-15 ODA Budget estimate: Australia has a strong interest in a prosperous and stable Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is one of Australia’s closest neighbours as well as one of the newest nations in the world. Since TimorLeste's independence in 2002, Australia has been its largest development partner. We share the Australia – TimorLeste Strategic Planning Agreement for Development, a commitment to achieve Timor-Leste’s development goals. Better access to education, clean water, roads and job opportunities will increase Timor-Leste’s economic growth and reduce poverty. Infrastructure development and business investment will also contribute to Timor-Leste’s development. Stability and security will be critical to achieving this, as well as improved agricultural productivity and market access. By providing more Timorese, especially women, with basic services and job opportunities, Timor-Leste will foster a population better able to contribute to their country’s future development. In 2014-15, the Australian development assistance program will work with the Timorese Government and communities to improve access to quality basic services, and to increase income opportunities for all Timorese, especially women. The Australian Federal Police will continue to work with the Timorese National Police to improve police systems and develop community policing. Australia will help promote stronger trade, agriculture productivity and private sector development in Timor-Leste through: working with central government ministries to improve public financial management systems, develop fiscal policy frameworks, and improve procurement procedures assisting farmers through Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded programs to increase agricultural productivity and access to markets to boost household income and nutrition levels
signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front holds much potential for progress. Australia will contribute to the peace process in Mindanao by building more capable and responsive state institutions and expanding economic opportunities for conflict-affected communities. Investing in effective governance will help support economic growth. Weak governance and a lack of budget transparency and accountability persist at the national and local levels and have a direct impact on the provision of basic services. Australia will strengthen the governance of public institutions in the Philippines by: helping to improve opportunities for women and girls to benefit equally from economic growth; and helping the Philippine Government to embed public finance reforms, and modernise its public financial management systems. By 2015, several million manual paper-based processes will be automated, helping to improve the efficiency and transparency of public spending. TIMOR-LESTE Australia’s response 2014-15 ODA Budget estimate: $96.6 million Australia has a strong interest in a prosperous and stable Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is one of Australia’s closest neighbours as well as one of the newest nations in the world. Since TimorLeste's independence in 2002, Australia has been its largest development partner. We share the Australia – TimorLeste Strategic Planning Agreement for Development, a commitment to achieve Timor-Leste’s development goals. Better access to education, clean water, roads and job opportunities will increase Timor-Leste’s economic growth and reduce poverty. Infrastructure development and business investment will also contribute to Timor-Leste’s development. Stability and security will be critical to achieving this, as well as improved agricultural productivity and market access. By providing more Timorese, especially women, with basic services and job opportunities, Timor-Leste will foster a population better able to contribute to their country’s future development. In 2014-15, the Australian development assistance program will work with the Timorese Government and communities to improve access to quality basic services, and to increase income opportunities for all Timorese, especially women. The Australian Federal Police will continue to work with the Timorese National Police to improve police systems and develop community policing. Australia will help promote stronger trade, agriculture productivity and private sector development in Timor-Leste through: working with central government ministries to improve public financial management systems, develop fiscal policy frameworks, and improve procurement procedures assisting farmers through Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded programs to increase agricultural productivity and access to markets to boost household income and nutrition levels
2014-15-development-assistance-budget-a-summary.docx