The Way Foreign Aid in Australia Can Be Changed

I’d like to address a few issues regarding Australia’s approach to foreign aid; specifically, it's budget and the direction that Australia is focusing its support on. Whilst I am just a mere student, it is my opinion that Australia can benefit more by increasing the budget on foreign aid and strengthen its global relations, as well as receiving the satisfaction of doing good to the world.

Australia’s foreign aid program is an investment in a better future for our neighbours and our world, however, whilst its program benefits many and creates social and economic stability, it is my sincere opinion that Australia can surely invest more than just 0.21% of it gross national income in regards to overseas support. In comparison, the United Kingdom has enshrined a commitment to spend 0.7% of their GNI, as well as other wealthy countries such as Sweden, who contribute 1.1%, the Netherlands at 0.65% and Germany who contribute 0.41% of their GNI. Every year, Australia’s foreign aid program improves the lives of millions of people around the world, only through a mere 0.21% budget—whilst this revelation is admirable, I believe that with more effort, and an increase in investment towards foreign aid, ideally 0.43% for a start; Australia can contribute even more and strengthen positive relations with other countries.

Furthermore, as evidence shows, this year when Australia chose to strengthen its pacific partnerships; Australia now has the most extensive diplomatic network in the Pacific. This engagement is a constructive start to promoting further global cooperation and addressing regional challenges such as economic, security and development issues. However, despite these optimistic changes and future further measures that may come along, if Australia’s budget for foreign aid remains to be cut out and cease to grow, then the possible advances in the future will eventually cease or progress at an extremely slow rate due to not having sufficient funds to optimise support. I understand that you have announced further initiatives to strengthen the ambition of Australia’s foreign aid program, however, if Australia does not bump up its budget in regards to foreign aid, any progress that you wish to make will be slow, even limited to a certain extent.

In addition to increasing funding towards foreign aid, Australia should also direct its support primarily towards tackling the problem of extreme poverty. As well as fostering positive economic growth and regional security, tackling the issue of extreme poverty will save lives and help some of the 1.3 billion people living in extreme poverty. Moreover, if we do not direct our attention to extreme poverty, the already existing pressing problems such as uncontrollable climate change, mass migration and/or immigration, conflict and/or conflict of interest will only continue to fester. Despite Australia not being a generous donor, our aid is helping to create a more stable, prosperous world—which is why it should be non-negotiable that supporting the lives of millions of people and their needs is an utmost imperative. Whilst this many cause controversy that Australia chooses to favour the needs of others around the globe, an omnibus survey in 2012 showed that almost 60% of Australians believe that giving aid should not be a negotiable item in the Federal Budget—Australia does not have to favour one over the other; we have are affluent enough that we can juggle one another, and take care of the needs of both Australians and the millions who live in poverty.

Above all, I thank for the opportunity to address my thoughts and outlook regarding foreign aid. I hope that some fundamental actions can be taken.