Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 12 December 2012:

(1) How much money has AusAID spent on Agent Orange responses in Vietnam in the past 10 years, including land rehabilitation, education and services for Agent Orange affected people?

(2) Can a simple breakdown be provided detailing the partner, amount, sector and province in which this money has been spent?

(3) In the past 10 years, has Agent Orange ever featured in the AusAID health strategy, Asia regional strategy or Vietnam strategy, including related land rehabilitation, education and services for Agent Orange affected people?

Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The Australian Government has supported two projects relating to Agent Orange in Vietnam. These were both funded during 2005-06. One project received USD7,000 (approximately AUD9,050) and the other project received VND75,000,000 (approximately AUD6,250).*

(2) Details of how this funding was spent are as follows:

Thanh Xuan Peace Village in Hanoi

The Thanh Xuan Peace Village, established in 1991 with support from the International Peace Village Oberhauzen and the German Government, provides rehabilitation for children disabled due to Agent Orange, and has special education and vocational training for the disabled. AusAID provided USD7,000 (approximately AUD9,050) for the purchase of a surgical laser.

Phong Dien Blind Association in Hue

Phong Dien, a rural district of the Hue province, is affected by Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance. Australia provided VND75,000,000 (approximately AUD6,250) for the construction of a new five room building used as accommodation for the blind during their vocational training, and as a storeroom.

(3) No.

*Figures estimated using 2005-06 conversion rates.