A Parliamentary Committee inquiring into Australia’s aid program in the Indo-Pacific has concluded that more can be done and that the name of the aid program should be changed.
The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade recommended the Government commit to a timeframe to increase Australia’s aid, and ensure more local recipient-country procurement.
The Sub-Committee urged that measures be taken to raise awareness of the benefits of Australia’s aid program, and to ensure that aid reached the most disadvantaged and marginalised groups without distorting local economies.
Chair of the Sub‑Committee, Chris Crewther MP said it had identified a need to strengthen Australians’ confidence in the aid program.
“Australia has the capacity to do more, but the support of the Australian people is critical,” Mr Crewther said.
“The committee hopes that the aid program can be better understood, not as a one-way street, but as a partnership that benefits Australia and our partner countries, in terms of defence, trade, the economy, security, health, human development, and more.”
“With stability and certainty in the aid budget, and a renewed focus on effectiveness, Australia’s aid program can continue to build on its record of achievements.”
The Sub-Committee’s 120-page interim report can be accessed at this PS News link.
