Foreign Aid Remains at 0.35% GNI

Disappointment as MDG Target is Delayed

In the Millenium Development Goals of 2000 Australia made a commitment that it would raise overseas aid to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2015.  In the 2012 Federal Budget announced on May 8, despite a $315 million increase from last year, the aid budget remains at 0.35%.  This is very disappointing.  It had been hoped that this budget would have lifted overseas aid to at least 0.38% GNI.

In difficult financial times those living in poverty become even more vulnerable and therefore more susceptible to dangers such as human trafficking.  You are invited to join with ACRATH members by writing a letter to the Hon Wayne Swan, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer expressing disappointment that the 0.5% of GNI overseas aid target  has been delayed a year until 2016/17. A sample letter may be found here.

For more information visit the International Women’s Development Agency website.