Budget sends a clear signal: Australia won’t abandon partners in our region
UnitingWorld welcomes the Australian Government’s Federal Budget announcement to increase aid by $135.8 million, affirming our commitment to partners in the Asia-Pacific region amidst a rapidly shifting global landscape.
“While traditional donors are scaling back aid, Australia has made it clear that we will not turn our backs on our friends in the region,” said Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director of UnitingWorld.
“This increase in aid, while very modest as a percentage of the Federal Budget, signals that we are continuing to stand alongside our partners who face escalating challenges from climate change, health crises and economic instability.”
“In a world that is increasingly dominated by strident voices that seek to sow fear and disunity, I commend the Australian Government for not stepping backwards on vital development assistance,” she said.
A better balance with defence spending is urgently needed
Despite the modest aid increase in this budget, Australia currently spends only 0.65% of the total federal budget on aid, the lowest it has ever been. New analysis from the ANU Development Policy Centre shows Australia now spends ten times more on defence than on aid—one of the widest gaps in the developed world.
“This is an alarming trend,” said Dr Goringe.
“UnitingWorld calls on all parties to recognise aid and development assistance as more than just an investment in our neighbours, but in our shared future—strengthening peace, stability and resilience across our region.”
“We echo the call of our sector through the Safer World for All campaign, to see aid grow to at least 1% of the Federal Budget, ensuring that we continue to meet the challenges of our time with generosity and vision.”
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