Supporting democracy in our region

THE Foreign Affairs and Aid subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade this morning tabled its report titled Supporting democracy in our region.

Chair of the subcommittee, Josh Burns MP, said, "This is an important bipartisan report that considers how Australia can partner with countries in our region to promote democracy and the international rules-based order.

"This report recommends how Australia’s national interests and foreign policy pursuits can be strengthened by aligning with local priorities, enhancing both countries institutions and building on strong bilateral relationships to promote democracy in our region.

"Ultimately, stronger partnerships build capacity to resist regression of democratic norms and ideals that has been eroding the effectiveness of the international framework that has served our region for many years."

Recommendations include:

• Increased funding for the Australian Electoral Commission to develop long-term partnerships with electoral bodies in the Indo-Pacific who request assistance with elections.
• Establishing a media broadcasting capacity and support building program for the region that facilitates training and development both in Australia and in our neighbouring countries.
• Establishing a Women in Parliament program to strengthen partnerships with women in the region.
• Establishing a central Civil Society Organisation Hub within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to help coordinate development delivery in the region.

This report makes eight recommendations in total and can be found on the inquiry's website.

 

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