Julie Bishop address to Council 2010
International development peak body expresses concern at the announcement of the shadow ministry
9/09
9 December 2009
International development peak body expresses concern at the announcement of the shadow ministry
ACFID expressed grave concern today that the Federal Opposition no longer has a specific portfolio focussing on international development and aid. ACFID Executive Director, Marc Purcell said: “We are dismayed the aid and development portfolio has been downgraded and rolled into the already heavy responsibilities of the foreign affairs spokesperson. It looks to be a step back on the part of the Opposition from the previous bipartisan commitment to aid and development."
The move ignores the high level of public support for overseas development assistance demonstrated through campaigns such as Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge. Indeed, a recent opinion survey indicated support for aid has increased further despite the economic crisis. Four out of five Australians believe Australia should give 0.7% of Gross National Income to aid when they are informed that a majority of donor nations have set goals to reach 0.7%. Both major parties in Australia have committed to reaching 0.5 % of GNI by 2015.
The Australian Council for International Development is an independent national association of Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the field of international aid and development. Together, we deliver more than $800 million a year raised from the Australian public, plus some $200 million sourced from AusAID.
Contacts:
For further information: Zoë Tiller (02) 6281 9219
For interviews: Marc Purcell 0450 961 561
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