Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has launched the Coalition’s foreign policy agenda, stating that it intends to deliver a ‘sustainable, effective and affordable aid program that helps developing countries reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth’.
The policy includes a welcome proposal to establish regional health security partnerships to tackle emerging health issues in our region. ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence said: “We welcome the Coalition’s decision to prioritise health outcomes in our region. Preventable diseases in the Asia-Pacific can be life-threatening for thousands of already vulnerable children and families living in poverty, and present health risks for Australians.
Mr Spence added: “The extremely high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in Papua New Guinea is now being referred to as a pandemic, which is resulting in more cases of multi-drug resistant TB. The latter is extremely difficult to treat, even in Australia. For a child living in a remote community of Papua New Guinea, without access to even basic healthcare, it means almost certain death.
“Malaria is also of extreme concern; globally one child loses their life to this disease every minute. Even when not life-threatening, it can have a serious impact on child health – infection during pregnancy can lead to other complications, and children who are repeatedly ill may become anaemic, impacting their long-term growth and development.”
The Coalition policy also proposes a Pacific Women Mentoring Programme to encourage more women in the Pacific to take on leadership roles, particularly in policy making.
“ChildFund is very supportive of programs which promote gender equality,” said Mr Spence. “Promoting the human rights of women and girls and addressing the disadvantages they face is essential for all poverty alleviation initiatives. We know that where we can provide opportunities for women to obtain leadership positions, to be heard, and participate in their communities, the positive social and economic benefits for local communities can be significant.”
However, the fact remains that the Australian Government’s overseas development assistance budget is at its lowest ever level.
Mr Spence said: “Australia has committed itself to the Sustainable Development Goals, which include increasing our aid funding to 0.7 per cent of GNI by 2030. However, neither of the major parties is willing to commit to a timeline for meeting this goal.
“This is why ChildFund is urging all political representatives to agree to a bi-partisan aid policy, one that will restore funding levels and ensure that we can continue to provide effective and life-saving support to vulnerable children and families in our region and beyond.”
Sydney, Australia, 14 June 2016: Today’s announcement by The Australian Greens that it will increase overseas aid to 0.7 percent over the next decade, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, has been welcomed by ChildFund Australia.
The Greens aid policy, launched today, states that Australia, as a wealthy nation, should provide support to less developed countries, and contribute its fair share to long-term development.
Senator di Natale also stated that the key purpose of Australia’s aid program should be alleviating poverty, not the promotion of national political and commercial interests.
ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence said: “Government changes in Australia’s aid policy direction in recent years have seen economic growth, private sector involvement, large-scale infrastructure funding and aid for trade become central to the Government’s aid program.
“As stated in our pre-budget submission this year, ChildFund believes that the primary, and overriding, objective of Australia’s overseas aid program must be human development. We support this commitment by The Greens to an Australian Aid program that prioritises poverty reduction.”
The Green’s aid policy also commits to greater funding being made available for humanitarian emergencies; the establishment of a separate and independent department to oversee aid delivery; and the provision of targeted climate change assistance to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr Spence added: “We are also glad to see The Green’s aid policy recognise the importance of gender equality in international development programs. ChildFund’s experience points to the fact that poverty disproportionately affects women and girls.
“However, we are also witness to the high return on investment where programs are implemented which address discrimination and disadvantage for women and girls. For example, investment in girls’ education has proven to increase the number of female wage earners in society, increase productivity for employers, and reduce the incidence of child marriage.”
Regardless of who wins the election, ChildFund Australia calls on all political representatives to reach consensus on the future direction of Australia’s aid program and make a commitment to providing effective and long-term support to children and families living in poverty.
Mr Spence said: “The Australian Aid program helps to save lives. The data shows that globally six million fewer children die today than in 1990. Australian Aid has contributed to this achievement. We have much to be proud of.
“Our aid program also provides real benefits at home – stability and peace in our region, new trading markets for Australian businesses, and greater collaboration with our nearest neighbours. Supporting Australian Aid is not only the morally right thing to do, it makes good economic sense.”
