Comments

Congrats Sina for Speaking Out!! Enough is seriously ENOUGH!!!

Mel, thanks for continuing to provide leadership on this point (engaging with the intellectual resources within the private sector) which is one with which I fully agree. Looking forward to talking more on this and other things in February (assuming you will be at the 13th/14th conference)

Thanks Milos, great to hear our analysis was of use to you. Terence

An interesting read. Although quantitative data does not show the whole picture as you say, its disappointing that our development aid figure reaches nowhere near the 0.7% target (particularly when countries such as Sweden show that it can be reached if there is the political will). Nonetheless, it is interesting to learn more about New Zealand's development aid priorities, so thanks!

Stephen Thanks for this continuing summary for it is a conversation worth keeping alive. As I presented at the results launch last week, I agree that the findings/perceptions relating to the knowledge burden are most interesting and I offer there are two (at least) opportunities that emerge from this. First, there has been much commentary about the changes to the aid program and the potential of changes to the staffing base. And survey perceptions talk to issues with turnover and hence a consequent risk of intellectual property loss exacerbating the knowledge burden. So, the data seems very timely and rich to assist DFAT with its planning and change considerations and it is hoped it is considered. Second, relates to one specific aspect of managing the knowledge burden that you have previously defined – working through effective partnerships. Not all intellectual property of value to the aid program sits in agency. The stakeholders surveyed, and undoubtedly countless others, also have knowledge and value to contribute. The breadth of experiences from the private sector implementing partners remains. Many such implementing partners are members of IDC Australia. By continuing to explore more effective partnerships with the private sector implementing partners, and with the IDC, at a minimum the perceptions of any risk of IP loss from staffing changes could be mitigated. More strategically, the private sector implementing partners are development professionals, not just contract and project managers, and they bring a lot of learning and experience to better inform practice that is usefully harnessed. Importantly, the private sector implementing partners are not homogenous – individuals and SMEs are critically important in this complex development tapestry and we need to ensure their involvement and contribution is sought and valued. Mel Dunn (Chair, IDC Australia)

This is a ground breaking step for women and children in our region. Thank goodness Australia is stepping up to the plate. I think many of us have shared a concern that with 2015 approaching and the new post 2015 agenda, women and children may be forgotten. I know its a concern globally, as well as in our region. Thanks Ashlee for blogging on this - it is indeed welcome news!

Thanks Mel, Tess and Patrick for the comments, I completely agree with you all. It is a great appointment and it is really refreshing to see a cross-party team of high level and highly capable female political leaders heading out into the region from Australia. When we are advocating for improved leadership opportunities for women in the region, it is important to demonstrate that we practice what we preach. While there is some concern here at home about the way gender plays out in domestic politics and worries about the low level of women in Cabinet etc (and I feel these concerns are definitely warranted), this delegation does send a positive message. I should also note that Matt Thistlethwaite was also in this delegation, also playing an important role in showing that gender issues are of importance to both men and women. Of course, setting an example is not enough and we also need to follow through in a more practical sense by supporting the empowerment of Pacific women through aid program and other initiatives. But this is a promising start for engagement on gender from this government, so lets hope that it continues (and that we have more details on the fate of gender programming in the region and the aid cuts more broadly very soon).

Call out the policy for what it was at the time, appeasement of the Nationals by a Conservative government who refused to introduce a seasonal workers program. One option was easy, while the other required hard work. Personally, I'm unsure about the second year for WHM. If the government wants to run a low-skilled labour market program, then they should do that instead of operating one by stealth through the WHM program. This policy has likely made some employers in the agricultural industry particularly lazy, however at the same time, there are also many employers who would genuinely struggle without this labour. I believe an increasing number of lower skilled migration will be necessary for the labour market over time and its a public debate worth having. This interview helps to highlight why many young people use the WHM, to access the labour market and search for future residency opportunity. I'm not opposed per se to this rationale, however because of the country limits placed on WHMs, it seems to border on discrimination once the cultural significance of the program is downplayed. From what I understand, a larger number of 457 visas are being granted to migrants already in Australia, such as WHM and Students. This trend changes the composition of the migration program significantly. If some people are preferenced over others through the WHM program, this raises some important questions for Australia's migration framework. I believe it's likely the Abbott Government will remove the industry restriction on WHMs and allow 2 year visas for all visa holders, including those based in large cities. This would require a simultaneous expansion of the SWP program to include employers across the entire agricultural industry, instead of simply horticultural and the trials.

I second that as being terrific appointment but again I suspect not a paid appointment beyond reimbursemnt for time spent doing things. But I hope I can be corrected on this, and we have a full-time properly resourced ambassador for women and girls.

I also think this is a good appointment and I hope Ms Stott Despoja will be returning to the Pacific soon and often so she can acquire an in depth understanding of the key issues relating to women's empowerment in each country (there are many commonalities but there are also significant variations) and so that she can form the relationships with leaders, civil society and others that are key to promoting change in this part of the world. And I also hope that this appointment and the apparent focus on gender means that we will be hearing soon how 'Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development' is being rolled out.

As mothers and sisters, we women, have to take responsibility of giving our boys enough love, care and good values so much so that the new definition of masculinity should be standing up against peer pressure, injustice with all using the God's gift (physical strength) to the benefit of all. I somehow feel this is also rooted in greed, entitlement, low esteem (she is anyway going to say no to me and I am going to teach her a lesson) and also male ego. Men ,according to me, are not very strong mentally, they will do only things for which they get appreciated for or acknowledged by friends or stronger men. There is an undercurrent which glorifies rape and violence against women. It definitely has it roots in our homes, the mother who this little boy spends his initial stages of life with....Hardly there are any fathers who are keen in bringing up their kids. They come home, watch tv, read newspaper, order tea/coffee and once in awhile the kid sees mom and dad fighting over some extramarital affairs. Kids are not receiving the right signals. Avoiding divorce is not the sucess of a marriage or good parent, the real meaning lies in our effort.

This is a terrific appointment, for both its focus and the quality of the appointee, addressing a space for which there remains so much more to be done.