Focus, the magazine of Australia’s Overseas Aid Program, volume 20, number 2, special edition 2005: tsunami special edition, relieving suffering

Since that dreadful day the international community has pulled together in support of those who have lost everything. Australia was among the first of many countries to offer emergency humanitarian aid. The Australian public’s overwhelming response to the tsunami disaster has been extraordinary. Approximately $260 million has been raised through donations and thousands of people have volunteered their time and skills. The Australian Government intends to monitor carefully the use of its $1.06 billion tsunami aid package. The delivery of aid needs to be transparent and accountable. Government must be assured money is not wasted or misused. Funds managed by AusAID are provided to accredited United Nations agencies, non-government organizations and contractors. AusAID has checks and procedures and its accreditation process is recognised as international best practice. Companies that undertake work on behalf of the Australian Government are subject to stringent audits, reviews and evaluations. The major focus for AusAID disaster relief and reconstruction is in the worst hit country - Indonesia. The $1 billion Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development announced just days after the tsunami, is the single largest commitment of overseas aid in Australia’s history. It will be in place for five years to help rebuild devastated infrastructure and services, particularly in Aceh. This agreement is in addition to the existing comprehensive pretsunami aid program.