Report on Africa from Federal Government recommends ABV

Thursday, 7 July, 2011

ABV is recommended as an important NGO within the Federal Government's 'Inquiry into Australia's Relationship with the Countries of Africa'.  Specifically, recommendation six says:  'AusAID should increase funding for the Australian Business Volunteers program so that it can expand coverage to African countries'.  ABV CEO, Michael Lynch, commented that this was a 'fortuitous event'.  'ABV has been investigating the possibility of work in Africa over the past few months and has sent the International Partnerships Manager, Helen Bird, to look for prospects', he said.  Mr Lynch went on to say that,  'the Consortium with Austraining International in the AVID program also allows us to explore assignments in Africa, so that continent is starting to appear more significantly on our radar.'

It is early days at the moment as the Report now has to go to Parliament for ratification, but ABV is already approaching some of the members of the panel to ensure they are aware of ABV's enthusiasm to work in Southern Africa. 

The report can be found through the following link: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/africa%2009/report.htm

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