Opinion pieces

1 - 10 of 85 results

"Ray of hope" for people who depend on us, as Labor puts aid on the agenda

Friday, December 14, 2018

ALP elders have called on their party to restore humanitarian aid ahead of the ALP conference next week. They lamented the damage aid decline has done to Australia’s international reputation — and they are right to do so.

Opinion Pieces, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Foreign Aid, Tim Costello, World Vision

Australia Takes a Lead Role in Fight to Eradicate Malaria

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

We've made great progress reducing the number of malaria cases. But recently we’ve taken our foot off the pedal. Still, a child dies from malaria every two minutes. This week’s Malaria World Congress could not come soon enough.

Opinion Pieces, Child Deaths, Child Health, Malaria, Tim Costello, World Vision

China May Have Spurred Australia's Aid Spending, But it Will Pay Off

Monday, June 18, 2018

The Government's agreement to fund the undersea cable between Australia and the Solomon Islands demonstrates that the importance and effectiveness of development assistance generally is now dawning on more minds in Canberra.

Opinion Pieces, Asia and the Pacific, Foreign Aid, Solomon Islands, Tim Costello

Bishop Curry's Royal Message of Love Exposes our own Deep Flaws

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Rev Michael Curry’s sermon from the Windsor Chapel pulpit rang an exhilarating bell in the staid Royal congregation. Here was something living and breathing inside something that people felt needed life and breath. Love is the only way. Everyone matters. And that includes the poor and the downtrodden.

Opinion Pieces, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and Carribean, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Australian Government, Humanitarian, Indigenous, Refugees, Tim Costello

A Budget to Lift Election Prospects, But not to Help the World's Poor and Displaced

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The Coalition Government’s fifth budget last week was carefully calibrated to offer just enough to a discontented electorate to restart the political contest ahead of the poll expected early next year. Yet again Australia’s battered aid program took a hit.

Opinion Pieces, Australian Government, Budget Cuts, Foreign Aid, Humanitarian, Tim Costello

Cricket Ball Tamperers Outrage us, But Pollies Get Away With Cheating on World's Poorest

Thursday, March 29, 2018

As our Federal politicians, many of them with a personal faith, head into their Easter break to contemplate Jesus's teachings, the message of generosity and fairness is as relevant to secular Australia as it is to Christians.

Opinion Pieces, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and Carribean, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Australian Government, Budget Cuts, DFAT, Humanitarian, Tim Costello

Australia’s Global Rights Carry Global Duties

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Australia cannot convincingly preach adherence to international norms while spurning international obligations and making up its own rules when it chooses.

Opinion Pieces, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and Carribean, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Asylum Seekers, Australian Government, Budget Cuts, Tim Costello

No Quick Fix for Australia's Kids Stuck Between Two Worlds

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Sending members of so-called African ‘gangs' back to South Sudanese violence and tribalism for a stint is more likely harden them and produce more radicalised, difficult Australians if they return.

Opinion Pieces, Africa, Africa, Humanitarian, Refugee Camp, Refugee Crisis, Refugees, South Sudan, Tim Costello, Uganda

Manus – The Purgatory Made in Australia

Thursday, January 18, 2018

In terms of physical suffering, fear and desperation, there was no comparison. But if Cox’s Bazar brought to mind the gates of hell, then Manus was a purgatory – made in Australia.

Opinion Pieces, Asia and the Pacific, Asylum Seekers, Australian Government, Refugee Crisis, Refugees, Tim Costello

Australia's C-Grade Report for Lack of Ambition on Aid

Monday, November 27, 2017

The Australian Government's report card on foreign policy would read "C" for "disappointing" this year. Australia’s aid assistance has yet again been relegated to second-class status in Australia’s global engagement – not even worthy of a mention in the speeches made to launch it.

Opinion Pieces, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and Carribean, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Australian Government, Foreign Aid, Tim Costello