AFP Training for Overseas Policing
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Media release
13 May 2008
The Australian Federal Police will receive $53.7 million over the next two years to help develop a more effective police service for the people of East Timor.
The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus said funding the second stage of the East Timor Police Development Program would allow the deployment of up to 80 specialist personnel engaged in capacity development in the country.
“This funding recognises the need to develop strong infrastructure in East Timor, almost doubling the previous four-year allocation.
“The Rudd Government is committed to playing its part in ensuring security and stability in East Timor and supporting long-term growth and development.
“This program aims to improve both policing skills and the general education of police and build solid foundations for the development of a more effective Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL).”
The funding will help develop more than 2000 PNTL members located outside Dili, as well as providing opportunities for those stationed in the capital.
The program will deliver support for literacy and general police education to improve skills and develop a more solid base for East Timor’s police force.
“Australia was quick to respond to security issues in East Timor following the attempted assassination of the President of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta, and Prime Minister Gusmao, including the deployment of AFP personnel,” Mr Debus said.
“The AFP continues to play a vital role in the United Nations Mission in East Timor and this will provide a further opportunity for the AFP to contribute to the development of policing in East Timor.”
The Australian Government’s support to police in the Pacific region will also be boosted under an $80.1 million program announced today.
Mr Debus said the new Pacific Police Development Program represents the largest Australian investment made to policing skills in the region.
“This program aims to provide more effective policing for the region’s people and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to working in close cooperation with Pacific Island nations.
“It will assist in raising the standard of living for people throughout the region, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s Port Moresby Declaration on 6 March.”
The four-year program will be delivered by the AFP and the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) in consultation with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
It extends existing AusAID and AFP managed policing programs in Samoa and Nauru and follows the Pacific Region Policing Initiative which has operated since January 2004. A program of support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary will also begin.
“This program supplements other AFP regional capacity-development programs as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, the Timor-Leste Police Development Program and the Vanuatu Police Project,” Mr Debus said.
“It will provide a platform for improved stability, ensuring more effective aid and encouraging economic development across the region.”
Media Contact:
Samantha Wills (02) 6277 7290, 0448 721 372