Australia extends transport safety assistance to Indonesia

Australia will continue to support safer maritime and aviation transport in Indonesia with the Australian Government committing $4.6 million to extend the Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package for 2014–15.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the funding formed part of Australia's aid program to Indonesia and built on the $43 million allocated to the Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package since 2007.

"Indonesia and Australia have worked closely to strengthen transport safety in the region through the training of transport safety inspectors and accident investigators, and undertaking joint search and rescue exercises," Mr Truss said.

"The Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package successfully contributes to transport safety in Indonesia, particularly by assisting Indonesia to comply with international standards. This improves the safety of the millions of Australians who transit our neighbours' transport zones annually, as well as the millions of visitors to and from Australia."

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop welcomed Australia and Indonesia's strengthened transport cooperation as part of a comprehensive bilateral relationship involving about 60 different areas and 20 Australian agencies.

"In addition to improved safety, efficient transport systems also facilitate trade, tourism, and economic development," Ms Bishop said.

"They are crucial to reducing poverty by decreasing deaths and injuries, encouraging investment and providing the means for services to reach citizens, for goods to reach markets and for people to connect. It is a good fit within the Government's new aid paradigm to encourage greater economic development.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development will administer the Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package.

Transport safety assistance will be delivered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Airservices Australia.