The Australian Government – ILO Partnership Agreement (2010–2015)

In April 2010, the ILO and Australia, one of the Organization’s founding member States, entered a new and historic Partnership Agreement. Working together, the Australian Government and the ILO Regional Office for Asia and Pacific are combining strengths to pursue the region’s Decent Work Agenda and Millennium Development Goals.

The International Labour Organization is the world’s authoritative international agency in setting standards for the world of work. The Australian Government, a founding member State, make assessed contributions to the ILO to discharge its global mandate to promote standards and fundamental principles and rights at work, employment opportunities, the extension of social protection and social dialogue, cross cut by the promotion of gender equality. The Australian Government supports the ILO’s mandate and objectives in promoting social justice and decent work for all in Asia, the Pacific and the rest of the world.

Australia also works with the ILO on technical cooperation programmes that support the application of the Decent Work Agenda and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the Asia-Pacific region. This cooperation takes place through the Australian Government – ILO Partnership Agreement 2010 - 2015 as well as through individual cooperation agreements negotiated with local representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Australian Aid (AusAID). Australia is committed to delivering an effective aid program and is increasing its engagement with multilateral partners. AusAID is working towards increasing official development assistance contributions will increase to 0.5 per cent of GNI – effectively doubling – by 2015-2016.

Partners for Decent Work in Asia and the Pacific

The five-year Partnership Agreement between the ILO and the Australian Government promotes sustainable employment and decent work in the Asia-Pacific region. We are presently working together with ILO constituents in 13 countries of Asia and the Pacific. The agreement provides for AUD$ 15 million in funding for 2010-12 to support initiatives in the following five areas:

In keeping with the ILO’s tripartite structure, the Partnership Agreement was developed in consultation with the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Industry Group.

A review of the Partnership Agreement and its project activities will be carried out by the Australian Government in mid-2012.