FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Youth Ambassadors for Development programme 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure will provide funding over two years which, together with an additional $1 million per annum from the existing global aid programme, will allow around 500 young skilled Australians to work in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region on a range of development activities, in line with Australia’s long-term national interests and regional responsibilities. Volunteers will be drawn from a variety of disciplines, with a focus on fields in which Australia has significant expertise. Areas may include health, public administration, environmental management and small business management.
The Youth Ambassadors for Development programme will result in a significant increase in the contribution of Australian volunteers to the region’s development. It will broaden the range of volunteers involved overseas, especially younger Australians with relevant skills and qualifications, with attendant benefits for receiving countries, Australia and the volunteers themselves.
A review of the Youth Ambassadors for Development programme will be conducted after two years to assess its effectiveness.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Papua New Guinea drought assistance 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Australian Government provided assistance to Papua New Guinea (PNG), targetted at those most at risk of starvation in areas accessible only by air, in response to the worst drought in the area on record. AusAID provided assistance to PNG under its Emergency Aid Programme.
This measure provided an additional $19.5 million in 1997-98 for continuation of the Australian response.  This funded drought relief activities additional to rehabilitation activities under the Treaty for Development Cooperation between the Governments of Australia and PNG. It is assessed that over 100,000 people directly benefited from Australian drought relief assistance. The scale of the relief operation was wound down as local food supplies recovered.
This is a one off measure that does not affect the amount of funds allocated to AusAID for the 1998-99 aid programme.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Humanitarian response package for Indonesia 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Government is providing emergency food aid to Indonesia in response to the chronic food shortages being experienced in the country as a result of the extended drought.
This measure will provide additional Budget funding of $10 million in 1997-98. In addition, a major assistance package of $20 million will be provided in 1998-99. The $20 million will be made available from within existing aid programme funding.
Further Information
The bulk of the funds will be directed to the expected World Food Programme emergency operation for Indonesia. Australia’s contribution will most likely be in the form of wheat that will be swapped for rice stocks, which will in turn be distributed to people most chronically malnourished and vulnerable. This assistance will also include the provision of emergency medical supplies, agricultural rehabilitation and employment creation activities through non-government organisations, an extension of UNICEF’s infant supplementary feeding programme, technical assistance and an extension of drought relief operations in Irian Jaya.
Australian Government funding will make up a significant component of funding for a coordinated, international response to Indonesia’s drought problems and food shortages.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Export action - Response to Asian economic developments 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure consists of export market development and promotional activities aimed at expanding Australia’s market access in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, particularly in the manufacturing and service industry sectors, to help offset the effects of the current Asian economic instability on the Australian economy. The measure will enable portfolio agencies to undertake market development activities in regions where substantial opportunities exist, but where Australia’s presence is currently minor.  
This measure will also include the provision of funding to support the Early Voluntary Sectoral Liberalisation agenda in APEC. The APEC component of the proposal is intended to provide renewed emphasis to the trade liberalisation effort in APEC, particularly with regard to sectoral liberalisation, to ensure the momentum is maintained in the face of the economic downturn in Asia. Foreign Affairs and Trade will seek contributions from Australian industry on a dollar-for-dollar basis towards the costs of funding Australia’s involvement in the APEC sectoral liberalisation component.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Funding for Australia's membership of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test‑Ban Treaty Organisation
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure provides ongoing funding for Australia’s assessed financial contribution to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Organisation, which is responsible for implementing the CTBT. Australia hopes to be in a position to ratify the treaty this year.
Interim funding was previously provided to enable Australia to make its 1996, 1997 and 1998 calendar year contributions.
Further Information
The CTBT serves important Australian security interests as a solid barrier to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. An effective nuclear non-proliferation regime is also important in providing the necessary environment for Australia to export uranium for peaceful purposes.
An Australian Comprehensive Test Ban Office will be established within the Australian Safeguards Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department will absorb operating costs associated with this authority. The 21 Australian facilities to be established under the CTBT’s verification regime will add to Australia’s scientific and technological resource base.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Increasing the effectiveness of Australian Secret Intelligence Service operations 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Australian Secret Intelligence Service’s capacity to serve Australia’s national interest continues to depend on its activities being fully protected by secrecy.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Austrade Information Technology Asset Replacement 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure provides funding for the ongoing replacement of Austrade’s globally networked information technology (IT) equipment. Austrade's existing IT equipment is nearing the end of its economic life. The level of funding provided is based on an independent consulting report commissioned by Austrade that assessed IT requirements and costs and made recommendations on the re-equipment level necessary to maintain Austrade’s current IT functionality.
Maintenance of IT functionality will allow Austrade to continue to provide the current range of export-related services to existing and potential Australian exporters.