In November 2010, the Australian Government commissioned an independent review of the Australian aid program, the first since 1996. The Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness wascompleted in April 2011 and concluded that Australia had a “good aid program” and that Australiais “an effective performer by global donor standards”. It also made 39 recommendations to drive...

Aid transparency is increasingly seen as key to achieving effective aid and development results. Transparency increases government accountability for aid spending and results, and supports other areas of the aid effectiveness agenda: ownership, alignment with partner systems and priorities, harmonisation with other donors, mutual accountability, and managing for development results. Transparency is also a critical...

Recognising that a major constraint on service delivery was a lack of sufficient and predictable funding, Papua New Guinea’s National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) led a process that has reformed the way provinces are funded to deliver essential services such as health and education. Both the PNG Government and the donor community consider the...

Violence against women is a serious global problem, affecting all countries of the world, including Australia. It has significant human rights dimensions, causing trauma to women, families and communities. It is both a symptom and a cause of gender inequality and discrimination. Violence against women is a major barrier to development in Melanesia and East...