Save the Children Australia has today warmly welcomed a commitment from Federal Labor to rebuild and grow Australia’s aid budget, if elected.
The commitment comes as Australia’s contribution to international development has hit its lowest ever level, while global need continues to escalate.
Director of Policy and International Programs, Mat Tinkler, welcomed Labor’s commitment to rebuild Australia’s aid budget as a significant step forward.
“Australia has a long and proud history of being generous, outward facing and supporting those in need around the world,” Mr Tinkler said.
“Yet in recent years, successive, drastic and unprecedented cuts of more than $11 billion to our foreign aid budget has diminished our global standing and influence significantly.
“It is in our national interest for whomever forms government after the 2019 election to commit to the urgent task of rebuilding our aid program.
“And this must start in our region. We are particularly pleased to see Labor’s commitment to putting the Pacific front and centre of Australia’s foreign policy.
“The Pacific Islands are our friends and neighbours, yet outcomes for children remain dire. One in two children in Papua New Guinea are stunted and generations of children are missing out on a quality education. We must work with Pacific islanders to empower their communities and help to realise their significant potential.”
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