Aust gives K2.4mil to support referendum

THE Australian Government has given K2.4 million (A$1 million) to support the work of the Bougainville Referendum Commission.
The first K1.2 million (A$500,000) has already been paid through the United Nations Development Programme Bougainville referendum support project.
The funding is meant to assist the conduct of a credible referendum.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis visited Buka yesterday and said as a witness to the 2001 Bougainville peace agreement, Australia wants to see a well-run process that strengthens the prospect for continued peace and stability in the post-vote transition period”.
Australia is supporting the referendum by providing K15.87 million ($A6.6mil) for technical assistance for the Bougainville Referendum Commission through the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, and K7.45 million (A$3.1mil) for the National Research Institute to encourage dialogue on the future status of Bougainville.
Davis will also travel to the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation in Chabai, run by Sister Lorraine Garasu.