[TimorLesteStudies] Media Release: Australia Funds Overseas Aid Research

[Bu Wilson]

MEDIA RELEASE 
BOB MCMULLAN MP
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
MEMBER FOR FRASER 

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AA 08 03  29 January 2008  
Australia Funds Overseas Aid Research 
As a first step in the long process of improving the quality and
effectiveness of Australia's overseas aid, the Australian Government is
implementing an enhanced three-year Development Research Strategy. 

'It is not good enough to just increase the quantity of aid, although that
is very important, we must increase the quality of the aid as well,' said
Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development
Assistance.

'Therefore, the Australian Government will provide $8.8 million for 27 new
Australian Development Research Awards. 

'Good research leads to a more effective aid program.

'The research will provide decision-makers with practical solutions to the
most difficult development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.'

Mr McMullan announced the strategy and the Development Research Awards at an
international development conference in Brisbane.

The Development Research Strategy includes more research funding, higher
quality research, improved communication and sharing of research findings, a
commitment to build research capacity in the Asia-Pacific region, and a
focus on research into the problems facing fragile states.

The strategy will also strengthen important research partnerships across the
Australian Government and with major donors in the region.

This inaugural round of the Australian Development Research Awards will fund
27 research proposals including seven proposals from overseas-based
institutions.

Through these awards, Australia's research base will be strengthened in six
key sectors: economic growth, gender equality, humanitarian assistance,
health systems, HIV/AIDS and environment, forests and climate. The funding
will support research into the impact of HIV/AIDS harm reduction programs on
law enforcement in South East Asia, incentives for reducing deforestation in
Indonesia and PNG, and obstacles to economic reforms in the Pacific.

The awards will be conducted annually and complement other development
research funded by AusAID, such as through our long-term partnerships with
key Australian and international institutions, through directly
commissioning research and engaging as an industry partner with Australian
research organisations under the Australian Research Council Linkage
Program.

See Full list of Australian Development Research Award recipients [PDF
37KB].

Media Contact:

Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's Office) 0400 318 205

AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590

To view PDF files you need Acrobat Reader, available as a free download (see
also the 'About this site' link below).
 

Bu Wilson
Regulatory  Institutions Network (RegNet) 
College of Asia and the Pacific, RSPAS
Australian National University 
Canberra   ACT   0200 
AUSTRALIA 

T: 02 6125 3194 
F: 02 6125 1507
M: 0407 087 086 
E: Bu.Wilson at anu.edu.au



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