I am pleased to announce the Australian Government will establish a scholarship program for senior public servants in the Pacific Islands to study at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.
The Pacific Islands Scholarship for Governance will provide five recipients each year with the opportunity to work for three months in a relevant Australian government agency and then attend a three-week intensive residential course at the school.
I believe this combination of academic study and professional experience will provide a valuable training opportunity for senior public servants from Pacific Island nations.
The friendships recipients develop with their Australian and New Zealand colleagues will provide a network of support when they return to serve in their own countries.
For Australia it represents an investment in our region. Good governance is an essential ingredient to economic and political security.
Australia is committed to facing up to the challenges confronting the region and is taking a lead role in fostering cooperation between nations to advance the cause of good governance.