Pacific
2013–2014 Budget
Estimated expenditure in 2013-14 across the Pacific region is $1,125.9 million. Individual country funding is available on each country homepage.
2012–2013 Budget*
Our estimated funding for 2012-13 is $1,104.0 million.
Estimated ODA by strategic goal in 2012–2013
*2012-13 Estimated Outcome ODA funding breakdown and graphs will be updated from 15 May 2013.
2013–2014
Australia’s aid to the Pacific is helping to expand women’s access to political, economic and social opportunities. Photo: Graham Crumb / AusAID
Australia’s aid is making a difference to the lives of Pacific people. More children are in school and the quality of education is improving. Fewer people are contracting malaria and more people have access to safe water and basic sanitation.
Australia is the leading donor across the region. Almost 20 per cent of the total Australian aid program is directed towards the Pacific. This accounts for almost half of all assistance to the region. In 2013-14, Australia’s aid budget to the region (including Papua New Guinea) is more than $1.1 billion.
A major focus for the Australian aid program this financial year will be Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development—a $320 million 10-year program announced by the Prime Minister at the 2012 Pacific Islands Forum. The aim of the program is to improve gender equality in the region by expanding women’s access to political, economic and social opportunities. This year, the focus will be on establishing an Australia-Pacific Women MPs mentoring program, expanding a safe markets program to encourage participation by women in local economies, and working with non-government organisations to increase services for survivors of violence.
Australia is also making a significant long-term investment to help Pacific countries adapt to climate change. With many low-lying islands and atolls, the Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Australia is investing $104 million over three years (2013-16) to help protect water supplies, climate-proof essential infrastructure, boost food security, and enhance disaster preparedness.
Education and health remain development priorities in 2013-14. We will invest $85 million over four years (2013-17) to strengthen tertiary and technical education across the Pacific to ensure that more young people have internationally recognised qualifications. We will also continue to focus on ensuring that young children can read. We will invest further in reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and addressing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The majority of Australia's assistance is delivered through bilateral programs. Priority areas for assistance are agreed with each government under a Partnership for Development.
Australia is also the major donor to regional organisations which address region-wide challenges. Non-government organisations remain important partners, including at the grass-roots level.
More information
Outcomes of the Pacific Islands Forum
2012
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