Samoa Governance Program

Governance in Samoa is generally accepted to be effective in terms of legitimacy, accountability and capacity to deliver public services; regulate the economy; maintain order and the rule of law; collect and use revenue; and act in the public good. However, as with any developing country context, there are specific areas where external assistance can add value in strengthening public sector governance. Australia is offering targeted support to assist Samoa's public sector to operate and deliver services more effectively and efficiently, improve client focus, and to help create the environment for private sector-led economic growth. It also includes support for Samoa's parliamentary processes to further strengthen the efficient oversight of the allocation and use of public funds, public service performance and the delivery of service. Activities are intended to complement support for improved governance delivered within key sectoral programs, and to support the Government of Samoa's own priorities. Improved Governance is a goal under the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2012-2016 and is likely to be a continuing priority in the next SDS. The total value of this investment is $9.1 million over 5 years, starting 2015-16.