last sixteen months to build international political support for urgent, effective action to address the appalling humanitarian crisis brought about by past misuse of anti-personnel landmines. In April last year, the Minister for Defence and I announced Australia's support for a global ban on anti-personnel landmines and unilaterally suspended their operational use by the Australian Defence Force. Since then, Australia's support for de-mining and mine victim assistance programs has more than doubled. It now stands at $18 million, making Australia a world leader in this field. I am pleased to say that our assistance includes a $12 million de-mining program for Cambodia and Laos announced in May last year and a further $500,000 program for Laos announced only last week. I should also say that Australia's overall aid program, which this year is worth more than $1.4 billion, represents a very significant investment in and commitment to the long term prosperity and stability of the region. It also represents the very real commitment of Australia to improving the quality of life for people from throughout our region. It is a sign of our respect for the aspirations of the peoples of our region. A Tolerant and Diverse Australia When we look at our respect for the peoples of our region it is also important to look at ourselves. Australia is passing through an historic transition from being a European outpost to becoming one of the most vital and exciting contributors to the Asia Pacific economic and security environment. That is