Building Stronger Leadership

In parts of Australia's region, the exercise of political power is, at times, based on a very narrow set of incentives rather than a broad conception of national interest.

Since political and social change is a long-term process, measured in decades rather than years, it can only come from within and requires broad and sustained leadership.

Australia is helping countries strengthen their political leadership and decision making.

As well as develop the current leadership in the Pacific, Australia will focus on the next generation of regional leaders and build the demand from within countries for improved government performance.

The following two new programs will support Australia's continuing work in fostering functioning and effective states.

Pacific Leadership Program

The Pacific Leadership Program will target current and emerging leaders in the region to develop leadership skills. This will include leadership in the academic, social and scientific communities and business, as well as political and bureaucratic fields.

The growing engagement of parliamentarians and political parties in Australia with their counterparts in the region will continue, for example through programs run by the Centre for Democratic Institutions. A particular focus will be given to strengthening the regional network of female parliamentarians and leaders.

As well as targeting current leaders, the initiative will involve a more systematic process to identify and support future leaders through scholarships. It will also involve building the capacity to provide leadership programs in Australian and other institutions. This approach will provide opportunities for groups from different countries to study together to create intra-regional links and networks of mutual support. Increased support will be provided for leadership initiatives targeted to youth, women and communities.

The intention is to draw candidates from across all facets of society, and to provide longer term support for future leaders through increased support for leadership development and civics education in secondary schools.

Building Demand for Better Governance program

Insufficient domestic demand for better performance or reform is one of the most important obstacles to institutional development in poor countries. The Building Demand for Better Governance program will support strategic partnerships to help augment domestic demand for reform and accountability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia's aid program has already supported interesting innovations through media, civil society and civic education programs (for example, support for the PNG Church Partnership Program and 'War Against Corruption' campaigns, support for national human rights institutions, and partnerships with Transparency International).

Such support will be expanded through direct support to the relevant organisations in partner countries and through partner Australian organisations (from development NGOs through to business councils and universities). A particular focus will be on supporting women's groups and building capacity in developing countries for independent analysis of government policy.

Australia will also deepen its understanding of political governance through research on issues such as voter behaviour and ways to align incentives with national development goals.

2006