World Vision welcomes more Australian aid

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

World Vision Australia has welcomed a Labor promise to lift foreign aid spending if it wins the next Federal election. Chief advocate Tim Costello today urged both parties to commit to restoring contribution to previous levels.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Penny Wong told the ANU conference today a Shorten Labor Government would commit to rebuilding Australia’s foreign aid contribution. 

 Mr Costello said a bi-partisan approach was desperately needed. He called on both parties to commit to 0.33 % of GNI so Australia could fulfill its humanitarian obligations in its region and further afield. It has dropped to 0.22 % of GNI.

 “We have been pleading with our leaders to return the country’s aid budget to the higher levels of 2013-14.  People must understand that the continued aid cuts since has put the lives of real children at risk,” Mr Costello said.

 “It also undermines Australia’s role in the world and threatens our own regional and global security and prosperity.”

 Each year 1.6 million Australians dig deep and support the work of international charities like World Vision Australia.

 “We know that people want our leaders to commit to this work. It aligns with Australians’ idea of a fair go and equality for everyone.”

 Australia has been rated as the third most generous nation in the Charities Aid Foundation global giving index, yet when it comes to the government contribution to aid we are still in 17^th place, and slipping further behind each year.

 

(Tim Costello is World Vision Australia chief advocate)

For further information, contact: Ruth Lamperd 0417 765 947

 Photo: World Vision has distributed 100 tents and 6500 shelter kits among the refugees in Cox’s Bazar in partnership with International Organization of Migration.

 

 

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