I know it’s a month ago but I want to express my disappointment at the Federal Government’s breaking its promise to Australia’s aid and development assistance.
On 8 May, the Australian Government announced the 2012–13 Federal Budget. Despite a $315 million increase to the aid budget, the commitment to increase Official Development Assistance to 0.5% of Gross National Income by 2015–16 (currently 0.35%) was delayed by one year to 2016–17. This means $2.9 billion less for Australia’s aid program over the next four years which puts at risk 250,000 lives.
While a disappointing result, we should be encouraged that the aid budget was “significantly protected” (the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Bob Carr) as a result of the efforts of many people within the wider aid and development community. The aid budget was finalised at the last minute, less than 24 hours before it went to the printers.
For your information and interest are facts and figures regarding Australia’s Federal Aid Budget. Click here.
*Media Releases:
World Vision Australia Media Release
Minister for Foreign Affairs Media Release
Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Media Release
*Budget documentation from the Australian Government
*My May 2 Letter to Prime Minister, Australians keep their word: rallying for aid. Unfortunately the Federal Government did not keep its word.
