Below is a letter that I recently sent to The Honourable Wayne Swan MP, Federal Treasurer:<\/p>\n
Dear Minister, <\/strong><\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s moral obligation to the poor<\/strong><\/p>\n
I appreciate your service to our nation and the challenges that you face in managing our nation\u2019s financial affairs.<\/p>\n
Given the financial constraints on the Federal Government at this time, I am concerned at reports that your Government\u2019s promise to increase Australia\u2019s aid budget to 50 cents in every $100 of our Gross National Income by 2015 is under threat.<\/p>\n
In my role as a Bishop of the Anglican Church and a Director of World Vision Australia, I am aware of the great contribution that the Australian Federal Government\u2019s aid has made and continues to make to poor people throughout the world.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s moral obligation arises from its wealth; we are one of the world\u2019s wealthiest nations, and the dire needs in which millions of people throughout the world find themselves. We have a moral obligation to help those who are less well off than ourselves.<\/p>\n
During my nine years in South America working as a missionary of the Anglican Church, I saw the calamitous effects of poverty on physical, social, economic, environmental and spiritual health. As a person standing in the Judeo-Christian tradition, I accept fully the challenge of responding positively to Cain\u2019s question, \u201cAm I my brother\u2019s keeper?\u201d<\/p>\n
I therefore request you to increase Australia\u2019s aid budget to 0.38% of national income in this year\u2019s Federal Budget. I will rejoice when Australia is giving 0.7%, however I beg your government to ensure that we reach 0.5% of national income by 2015.<\/p>\n
Yours sincerely,<\/p>\n
John D Harrower OAM, Bishop of Tasmania<\/address>\n<\/blockquote>\nIf you wish to send a letter or email to Mr Swan, then go to Make Poverty History<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Below is a letter that I recently sent to The Honourable Wayne Swan MP, Federal Treasurer: Dear Minister, Australia\u2019s moral obligation to the poor I appreciate your service to our nation and the challenges that you face in managing our … Continue reading