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Rudd’s Aid Trip a Welcome Start

16 September 2010

9/2010

Rudd’s Aid Trip a Welcome Start

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) welcomes the appointment of Kevin Rudd as Foreign Minister.

"Kevin Rudd has been a champion for Government action to help people living in extreme poverty in the world,” ACFID Executive Director Marc Purcell said.

“And his immediate actions as Foreign Minister have been a welcome start.

“His dash to flood ravaged Pakistan where 21 million people - equal to the entire population of Australia - are suffering, and then to a UN summit to address global poverty, shows that the Gillard Government believes in the importance of overseas aid and development.

“We hope that this focus on aid and international development thrives. The Government needs a dedicated eye on aid and development, and has chosen not to re-appoint someone to the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Development Assistance,” he said.

“Because of the Government's pledge to double the aid budget by 2015, and because Australian aid is being delivered in increasingly dangerous environments, like Afghanistan, having a Parliamentary Secretary to assist the Foreign Minister on development assistance is important.”

ACFID has welcomed the appointment of Richard Marles as the Government’s Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Pacific Island Affairs.

"Mr Marles’ passion for development in Papua New Guinea sends a strong signal to the Pacific region of its importance and partnership with Australia," Mr Purcell said.

Also welcome is the appointment of Theresa Gambaro as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Development Assistance by the Coalition.

"Ms Gambaro knows the importance of the Australian commitment to overseas aid and development and we welcome her experience," Mr Purcell said.

ACFID represents over 70 Australian not for profit aid and development organisations working in over 100 countries. The ACFID President, Dr Meredith Burgmann, will be representing these organisations as part of the Australian Delegation to the UN summit.