AusAID, TI in deal

National, Normal
Source:

The National,Wednesday 07th December 2011

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
PAPUA New Guinea’s major development partner, AusAID, has signed a partnership arrangement with Transparency International (PNG) for development projects in the country. 
The partnership is a continuing arrangement where AusAID will provide funding support to projects and initiatives TIPNG conducts.
AusAID counsellor governance Katherine Taplin and TIPNG board chairman Lawrence Stephens signed the deal.
It was witnessed by development partners at the launching of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2011 in Port Moresby last Friday. 
Under the arrangement, AusAID will allocate K500,000 every year for TIPNG projects.
From this fund, AusAID will give payments for projects depending on the type, its duration, objective and size.   
The partnership is an ongoing one as long as both organisations agree to it.
Taplin said the agreement was solely about creating solutions for Papua New Guineans.
“AusAID has recognised the needs and benefits in the rural and urban centres through TIPNG’s projects and has learnt the daily experiences of the people,” she said.
She said the partnership with TIPNG would give AusAID a direct understanding of how people lived and their daily experiences. 
Lawrence commended AusAID for the partnership and said both organisations would work together.
He said TIPNG would work with such partners to consult for ways and avenues to fight corruption of all forms at all levels.