Australia Welcomes Nauru's Commitment to Reform

Today I have met Nauru's Foreign Minister, the Hon David Adeang, to discuss options for addressing Nauru's urgent economic problems.

Australia welcomes the clear commitment from Nauru's recently appointed President, the Hon Ludwig Scotty, to addressing Nauru's economic challenges. The Scotty Government has taken quick action to enact legislation that will allow us to send officials to help Nauru identify much-needed reforms.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February this year, we will send to Nauru on 26 July an Australian Finance Secretary and two supporting officials to recommend urgent reforms to get Nauru's economy on track. This deployment reflects the seriousness Australia attaches to our strengthened relationship with Nauru.

The Finance Secretary, Mr Peter Depta, will bring to Nauru a depth of experience from a range of appointments in Australia's Department of Treasury. The officers supporting him, Mr Nicholas Loan and Mr David Vosen, both from the Department of Finance and Administration, are experienced and valued officers in the Australian government and bring much-needed expertise to Nauru.

I am pleased to announce that Mr Colin Milner from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who took up the position of Consul General in Nauru last month, will also be designated Australia's Special Representative to Nauru. As Special Representative, Mr Milner will coordinate the work of the team of Australian officials deploying to Nauru.

A career diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Milner was Director of the Department's International Law and Transnational Crime Unit prior to his appointment as Special Representative. He has served as the Department's Deputy Speechwriter and as Executive Officer in the Pacific Islands Branch. Overseas, Mr Milner has served in Brussels (1993-1998) and Pretoria (1986-1990).

Media inquiries: Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500, Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555