Enhancing international engagement

Promoting development

The Government is committed to poverty reduction and sustainable development through effective aid, debt relief and reduced global trade barriers.

In 2006‑07, the Government will provide around $3 billion in development assistance, representing a doubling of aid over the last decade. This includes an additional upfront payment of $136 million to relieve the debts of some of the world's poorest countries. Australia is one of only a few countries to make an upfront payment.

The Government's goal is to increase assistance to about $4 billion by 2010.

Enhancing security

This budget also funds a programme of capacity building for the security agencies of key regional countries. Regional terrorism remains a serious threat to the citizens of these countries, as well as for Australians.

This budget will provide $93 million over four years to enable further capacity building in regional law enforcement and border control agencies as well as provide for increased cooperation across a number of Australian and regional security agencies.

Promoting stability

Australia is committed to a secure and stable Afghanistan and Iraq. For Afghanistan, $14 million has been allocated to establish a diplomatic presence in Kabul and $218 million will fund an Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to a Netherlands‑led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). A further $58 million will provide for the deployment of Chinook helicopters to support the Special Forces Task Group and the initial stages of the PRT.

The Government is continuing the ADF's contribution to Iraq, providing an additional $393 million over three years.