Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I begin by thanking all senators who have contributed to the debate on the Official Development Assistance Multilateral Replenishment Obligations (Special Appropriation) Bill 2019. I had the opportunity to hear part of Senator Scarr's speech. I particularly want to acknowledge his very courteous remarks about DFAT staff at posts, both locally engaged and Australian staff, for the work they do. I very much appreciate that acknowledgement and, Senator Scarr, I'm sure they will too.

This bill will provide standing appropriation to meet Australia's international development commitments to the World Bank's International Development Association; the World Bank's debt relief schemes, including the Heavily Indebted Poor Country Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative; the Asian Development Bank's Asian Development Fund; the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund; and the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

Consistent with our membership arrangements of these organisations, Australia pledges to replenish our financial contribution every three or four years, with payments being made over a three- to 10-year period. The funds to meet the commitments authorised by this bill will come from within the agreed official development assistance budget. Our contributions to these organisations constitute an important component of Australia's support for the promotion, protection and improvement of the international rules based order. These organisations complement Australia's efforts at the country and regional levels to promote the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific region. I commend the bill to the chamber.