rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Situational analysis of drug and alcohol issues and responses in the Pacific
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Law enforcement
Tokelau is the only country in this study,
apart from Timor-Leste, which is not represented
on the Pacific Islands Law Officers’
Network. This may reflect the fact that the
Supreme Court of New Zealand currently has
jurisdiction in Tokelau. If a future referendum
succeeds in establishing the independence of
Tokelau, then membership of this and other
regional networks would be important to
guarantee regional participation.
Regulation
Attempts were made to identify a contact
within government departments of Tokelau
to both attend the PDARN meeting and provide
information on current drug and alcohol
policy or existing regulatory measures; however,
none was identified.
14.6 Australian involvement
Australian Agency for
International Development
Australia’s bilateral aid to Tokelau is approximately
AU$360 000 per year which provides
scholarships for tertiary education and training.
At any one time, two to three students
are supported by these scholarships to study
at regional institutions, such as the University
of the South Pacific. By focusing on
building skills and experience, the program
aims to support the economic and social
development of Tokelau. 807 Tokelau was a
participating country in the AusAID-funded
Pacific Regional HIV Project, with the implementation
period ending in 2008.
In addition, Australia has contributed to the
Tokelau International Trust Fund (TITF).
The fund was established in 2004 808 by the
governments of New Zealand and Tokelau,
supported by the Australian Government. Its
purpose is to provide an additional source
of revenue contributing to the long-term
financial viability of Tokelau. Australia plans
to continue to contribute to the TITF and
wishes to participate on the Trust Fund Board
of Directors when Tokelauan self- government
is declared. 809 Since 2005, Australia has
contributed approximately AU$5.1 million
to the TITF. 810
807 Above, fn.773.
808 Above, fn.787.
809 Note: it was expected that self-government would be declared in October 2007 but this did
not occur.
810 Above, fn.773.