UnitingWorld Budget Response 2026
UnitingWorld welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to protect its aid and development program and modestly increase its funding at a time when too many countries are walking away from their neighbours.
The investment focus on the Indo-Pacific, climate change, gender equality and humanitarian response is to be commended. Australia’s aid program is a cost-effective investment that saves lives, transforms communities and contributes to peace and stability in our world.
“At a time of rising conflict, humanitarian need, and major aid retrenchment across the world, Australia’s decision to protect aid sends an important message to our region, that we will continue to show up,“ said Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director of UnitingWorld.
“Australia’s aid program is an extension of the values we aspire to: love, justice and compassion for every person, regardless of where they were born.”
However, with aid and development funding falling to just 0.63% of the federal budget, Australia is missing a chance to lead at a moment of profound global need and human suffering.
“I’ve seen firsthand what Australian aid means to communities across the Pacific and Asia, the schools, the health clinics, the women leading change in their own villages. But the need is growing, and at just 0.63% of the federal budget, we’re not yet doing enough,” said Dr Goringe.
UnitingWorld continues to call for the Government to chart a path back to 1% of the Federal Budget, a level reached before under both Labor and Coalition governments.
The need has never been greater, and Australia has more to give.
Your voice is powerful.We invite you to join us in calling the Government to restore aid to 1% of the Federal Budget, through the Safer World For All campaign in partnership with Micah Australia. Help make sure Australian aid keeps reaching the communities who need it now more than ever. Find out more. |