Appointment of International Development Minister welcomed – World Vision

Monday, September 21, 2015

World Vision Australia has welcomed the Government’s appointment of the Hon Steven Ciobo MP to the newly created international development portfolio.

Mr Ciobo was sworn in as Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific this morning.

World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said the decision fulfils a long standing call from the aid and development sector for a dedicated minister, a call now supported by both sides of politics.

“I believe this appointment can herald a new beginning for international development under the Turnbull Government and an end to the raid on aid.”

Mr Costello said Australia was experiencing a new spirit of generosity and it was excellent to see the Turnbull Government embracing this.

“We saw this recently with the strong community support for the increase in our refugee intake and a commitment of a further $44 million in funding for the Syria response.”

Having worked with Mr Ciobo previously in his role as Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Costello said he was already aware of Mr Ciobo’s commitment to tackling poverty and promoting prosperity in our region.”

There remains a significant amount of work in building a generous and effective aid program Mr Costello said.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Mr Ciobo on rebuilding Australia’s aid program after a period of significant upheaval and instability.”

“ World Vision also looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Hon Julie Bishop MP as she continues as the Cabinet level Minister for International Development as part of her responsibilities as Foreign Minister.

The Government’s appointment of a Minister for International Development finally marks the implementation of a pre-election commitment from the Government for a dedicated minister to oversee Australia's aid program. In 2013, the ALP also appointed a Minister for International Development

Mr Costello said World Vision also welcomed the dedicated focus on the Pacific that the new portfolio now reflects.  

“The Pacific remains a critical region for Australia. As we saw at the recent Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific continues to face significant challenges of geography and demographics. It is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change and we as Australians have a particular responsibility to our closest neighbours to show leadership on these issues .”

Mr Costello said he expects the appointment will enable greater collaboration between the aid and development sector and the Government to address poverty in the developing world.

Media contact: Mary-Louise O’Callaghan – 0427 413 816 / mary-louise.ocallaghan@worldvision.com.au

 

Media Releases, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific

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