Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Reynolds for her question. The Turnbull government is committed to countering violent extremism in our region. Our overseas development assistance is a very valuable tool in this regard. Recently we announced a new policy development approach to countering violent extremism, which will act as a very good guide in the delivery of ODA as well as assist us to make better decisions in this area to ensure that the ODA that we deliver is appropriate and targeted at times when it needs to be delivered in sensitive ways.

We are currently supporting CVE initiatives in Indonesia, in Pakistan and in the Philippines. Violent extremism in our region creates major problems. It harms our regional security; it undermines our efforts to support economic growth, stability, and poverty reduction; it disproportionately affects developing countries, with serious economic consequences; and it prevents the participation of women in society and in decision-making. Of course, it exacerbates conflict and undermines the ability of those people seeking to deliver humanitarian and development assistance. Australia has also been a strong advocate for changes at the international level so that we can ensure that our overseas development meets the contemporary challenges the world is now facing. We supported the changes in the OECD rules which make non-coercive efforts to counter violent extremism eligible for being counted as overseas development assistance. We have also endorsed UN efforts through a plan of action to prevent violent extremism.