The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Steadying foreign aid budget signals the government takes development seriously

  • Written by Melissa Conley Tyler, Honorary Fellow, Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne
Steadying foreign aid budget signals the government takes development seriously

On budget night in 2014, the Abbott government cut nearly $8 billion[1] from Australia’s international development program, the largest-ever aid cuts[2]. Programs in South-East Asia were cut by 30%[3]. For a government obsessed with surplus, it was seen as a sort of political victimless crime. Yes, it would hurt foreigners[4], but they don’t vote.

Last night’s budget announced an increase in aid of $1.4 billion over four years[5], including new funding[6] beyond measures promised in the election campaign. This will prevent Australia’s development spend from dropping to its worst-ever level, as it was slated to do[7].

The previous Morrison government had resisted expanding the development budget beyond $4 billion, responding to the impact of COVID-19 with temporary and targeted measures[8]. As these expired[9], foreign aid would have slumped to record lows. The new government has crossed this Rubicon by folding these into an increased budget of $4.65 billion[10].

Read more: Jim Chalmers' 'restraint' budget the first stage of a marathon for the treasurer[11]

What’s notable is not just the funding, it’s also the way it was announced[12]. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong framed[13] the spending as a “major step toward the goal of making Australia stronger and more influential in the world”. She positioned development spending as key to Australia’s relationships in the region.

“Without these investments,” she said, “others will continue to fill the vacuum[14] and Australia will continue to lose ground”. The spending was key to making Australia a “partner of choice for the countries of our region”.

In his budget speech, Treasurer Jim Chalmers described the investment in development as “restoring our role[15] as a diligent and dependable partner and friend to our Pacific neighbours – for a stable, peaceful and more prosperous region”.

This signals a commitment to development as a key tool of statecraft.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said that if Australia does not invest in overseas aid and development, others will fill the void. Lukas Coch/AAP

Analysts will reasonably say this budget should be seen as steadying rather than improving. The current foreign aid commitment of around 0.2% of national income is well below the international standard of 0.7%[16] and the donor country average of 0.33%[17]. It is also far from the Rudd-era bipartisan position of rising to 0.5%[18].

Meanwhile, the budget found significant funds for defence[19], which increased $2.66 billion to $51.5 billion. It’s fair to ask if the dollars match the rhetoric[20].

But for a new government five months in, putting in the hard yards of budget repair[21] in the face of a teetering global economy, it means a lot that it has committed not to let development funding slip. Many other areas face cuts[22], and it must have taken tough advocacy to preserve these commitments through the budget process.

The government has committed to[23] year-on-year growth in funding. It puts Australia’s development programs on a more secure and predictable[24] fiscal footing.

The challenge will be to build on this budget[25] in subsequent ones. Many of the questions reasonably being raised[26] around the “what” and “how”[27] can be addressed in the New International Development Policy[28] currently being developed.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Labor's first budget in 6 charts[29]

The federal budget is always about priorities. Among the many things the government and nation would like to do, which are the ones they are prepared to put money behind? As foreign affairs and defence mandarin Sir Arthur Tange noted, “strategy without money is not strategy[30]”. To succeed in this environment, you need to make your case.

There are very strong arguments for development co-operation – which is why developed countries, and even some developing ones, invest money in it. But the supporting arguments come from quite different perspectives. In a speech last month, Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy summarised four ways of making the case for foreign aid[31]:

  • the security case – grinding poverty contributes to social tensions, instability and radicalisation

  • the economic case – supporting prosperity abroad supports prosperity at home

  • the international relations case – contributing to developing countries supports prosperity and stability in the region and boosts Australia’s bilateral and multilateral relationships

  • the moral argument – it is the right thing to do.

When the Abbott government slashed the budget in 2014, it was probably thinking of development mainly in terms of the moral case – and thought that this could be overridden as expedient.

In increasing the budget, the Albanese government is justifying its decision on the basis of the other arguments – linking it to Australia’s national interest and seeing development as a key component[32] in Australia’s foreign policy toolkit. And perhaps the Australian public is heeding this. Since 2019, cuts to the aid budget have become less popular[33].

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade budget paper states:

In an uncertain world, the strength and diversity of Australia’s partnerships is critical. The development program is fundamental to deepening our partnerships with our Indo-Pacific neighbours.

It seems we’re starting to cement the view that an adequate development budget is non-negotiable if Australia wants to have influence in the region. Given the scale of the needs, it would be wonderful if we could aim beyond adequate.

References

  1. ^ cut nearly $8 billion (www.theguardian.com)
  2. ^ largest-ever aid cuts (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ South-East Asia were cut by 30% (www.abc.net.au)
  4. ^ hurt foreigners (www.abc.net.au)
  5. ^ $1.4 billion over four years (www.dfat.gov.au)
  6. ^ new funding (acfid.asn.au)
  7. ^ slated to do (devpolicy.org)
  8. ^ temporary and targeted measures (devpolicy.org)
  9. ^ expired (devpolicy.org)
  10. ^ $4.65 billion (www.abc.net.au)
  11. ^ Jim Chalmers' 'restraint' budget the first stage of a marathon for the treasurer (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ announced (www.abc.net.au)
  13. ^ framed (www.foreignminister.gov.au)
  14. ^ continue to fill the vacuum (www.abc.net.au)
  15. ^ restoring our role (ministers.treasury.gov.au)
  16. ^ international standard of 0.7% (www.oecd.org)
  17. ^ donor country average of 0.33% (www.oecd.org)
  18. ^ rising to 0.5% (www.aph.gov.au)
  19. ^ defence (budget.gov.au)
  20. ^ if the dollars match the rhetoric (twitter.com)
  21. ^ hard yards of budget repair (ministers.treasury.gov.au)
  22. ^ Many other areas face cuts (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ committed to (alp.org.au)
  24. ^ predictable (idcc.org.au)
  25. ^ build on this budget (devpolicy.org)
  26. ^ questions reasonably being raised (acfid.asn.au)
  27. ^ “what” and “how” (idcc.org.au)
  28. ^ New International Development Policy (www.dfat.gov.au)
  29. ^ Everything you need to know about Labor's first budget in 6 charts (theconversation.com)
  30. ^ strategy without money is not strategy (www.aspistrategist.org.au)
  31. ^ four ways of making the case for foreign aid (ministers.dfat.gov.au)
  32. ^ a key component (ministers.dfat.gov.au)
  33. ^ become less popular (poll.lowyinstitute.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/steadying-foreign-aid-budget-signals-the-government-takes-development-seriously-193088

The Times Features

The Hidden Dangers of Blocked Drains and the Ultimate Solution for a Hassle-Free Home

Drain blockages are a big hassle to every homeowner and business owner alike. Whether it is a sink in the kitchen or bathroom, a clogged toilet, or a foul smell circulating aroun...

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping