NO.097

MATIE COMMUNITY SERVICE – PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, announced today that Australia will contribute $30,000 to the Matie Community Service (MCS) in 2006-07 in the Stellenbosch region, South Africa. The grant will be provided from the Australian aid program and represents almost a doubling of the funding provided last year.

Australia’s contribution will support the MCS work programme, which serves the primary health care needs of remote and disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. Funding for the financial year will go towards provision of pharmaceutical products and updated medical equipment for the clinics.

Australia has a continuing commitment to the MCS, with which it has been involved since 1982.

The Treasurer visited the MCS today as part of his trip to South Africa. He was accompanied by the South African Finance Minister, Mr Trevor Manuel and the Mayor of Stellenbosch, Lauretta Maree.

Mr Costello said he was impressed by the innovative way in which the evening and weekend clinics assist needy people who are otherwise unable to readily access medical facilities.

CAPE TOWN

10 September 2006

Contact: Jonathan Epstein

0438 927 109