The Australian Government says it will provide an estimated 1.8 billion Solomon Islands dollars in official development assistance to Solomon Islands in 2012-13.
A statement from the Australian High Commission office in Honiara says this includes support through the bilateral aid program and aid contributions to RAMSI and Pacific regional and global programs.It says the funding was announced last week as part of the Australian Government's budget for the 2012-13 financial years.
High Commissioner Matt Anderson says funding for the next financial year of over SBD$500 million dollars for the bilateral aid program with Solomon Islands includes an increase of SBD$15 million dollars from the current financial year.
Mr. Anderson says the increase reinforces Australia's long term commitment to the development of Solomon Islands and to overcoming poverty in the country.
He says Australia's aid program is focused on saving lives, promoting opportunities for all, sustainable economic development and effective governance.
This covers health and education services, economic infrastructure such as transport and urban water and sanitation, livelihoods and economic and financial policy reform.