MINISTER PARKE TO VISIT TIMOR-LESTE

Melissa Parke, Minister for International Development

MINISTER PARKE TO VISIT TIMOR-LESTE

4 August 2013

Minister for International Development, Melissa Parke, today began a three day visit to Timor-Leste to meet key Government ministers and view first-hand the positive results of Australia’s aid program.

It is the Minister’s first visit to Timor-Leste and her first to Asia since becoming Australia’s Minister for International Development.

Minister Parke will meet President Taur Matan Ruak and other senior Ministers to discuss details of Australia’s aid program including the new partnership agreement recently signed between the two countries.

“Since independence, Timor-Leste has made genuine progress yet it remains one of the poorest countries in the world,” Minister Parke said.

“Australia has helped Timor-Leste maintain stability and improve the lives of Timorese people.

“With Australia’s support Timorese children are at less risk of dying, most rural households have more food, more women and babies are healthy and fewer Timorese have gone blind.”

During her visit the Minister will announce the 2014 Australia Awards, which provide Timorese scholars with the opportunity to study at Australian universities.

Minister Parke will visit two centres that provide rehabilitation services to women who experience domestic violence and to people with physical disabilities.

She will also tour the district of Liquica to inspect AusAID activities, including a health clinic, a world-leading water, sanitation and hygiene program, and a local school.

She will meet members of the community who are benefiting from Australia’s successful Seeds of Life program that is helping farmers increase crop yields.

“Australians have an enduring respect and affection for Timor-Leste and strongly support our joint efforts to reduce poverty,” Minister Parke said.
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Media Contact: Rachel Maycoc