Mr Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has today used the University of Sydney's International Forum, Australia's Re-engagement with Africa, to announce further Australian assistance for Africa.

The forum brought together a range of leaders and thinkers from around the world to share their views on strategic international issues, and was held in the University of Sydney's MacLaurin Hall.

Outlining a priority to broaden and deepen Australia's engagement with Africa during a keynote address, Mr Smith said that for too long Australia had not given Africa the priority that it deserved.

"In this financial year 2009/10, Australia's development assistance to Africa will increase by 40 per cent on the previous financial year 2008/09, providing assistance to over 30 countries. This includes assisting African countries reach their Millennium Development Goals, particularly in the areas of food security, water and sanitation and child and maternal health".

Mr Smith said that the Australian Government also recognises the importance of fostering institutional links internationally.

"I am delighted at the interest that Sydney University and others have shown in grasping these opportunities."

"To support this goal, I announce today a new Australia-Africa Millennium Development Goals Research Partnerships Program. This $8 million initiative will assist African and Australian education and research institutions to work together to support African economic growth and progress against the Millennium Development Goals. The Program will promote research linkages and exchanges on issues such as food security, maternal and child health, climate change and natural resource management. It will also enable African institutions to draw on Australian development research expertise to build the capacity of counterpart African institutions."

University of Sydney's Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence said he was keen for the University's researchers to be more involved in areas that both respond to and help set public policy agendas.

"One of our priorities at Sydney is to further develop our cross disciplinary research and area studies. Forums like today's play an important role in bringing decision makers together."

The Right Honourable Mr Tendai Biti MP, Zimbabwean Minister of Finance, also presented a keynote address. Mr Biti has distinguished himself as one of the leading lawyers in Zimbabwe with special expertise in human rights, labour and constitutional law, and has co-founded some of the leading human rights organisations that have dominated civic society.

A high profile panel discussion was held in the morning, with presenters including: H.E. Mr Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chair, on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC) Addis Ababa; H.E. Mrs Marie Roussety, Dean of the Africa Group, on behalf of African High Commissioners; Mr Geoffrey Levy AO, Deputy Chair/Former CEO of Investec, on behalf of the Australia Africa Business Council; The Honourable Dr Geoff Gallop AC, Professor and Director, Graduate School of Government, University of Sydney; and Ms Sue van der Merwe, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South African Government.

The forum was followed by a series of academic seminars throughout the afternoon addressing topics including: Australia and health-related MDGs in Africa; Current fiscal and revenue management practices for extractive industries; Peace, governance and capacity building; and Realising potential - education and human capital in Africa.