1.59 million supporters to call on Government to stop Australia becoming “the least generous we’ve ever been”

11 April 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

1.59 million supporters to call on Government to stop Australia becoming “the least generous we’ve ever been”

Campaign for Australian Aid, with the support of over 65 aid and development organisations, is reaching out to 1.59 million of its supporters over the next month to call on the Government to reverse the final scheduled cuts to the aid budget.

“We are calling on the Government to reverse the final scheduled $224 million cut to the aid budget so that Australia does not become the least generous we've ever been with the lowest aid budget ever, ” said Campaign Director for Campaign for Australian Aid, Tony Milne.

World Vision CEO, Tim Costello said, “A third of the aid budget has been cut in the past two years, negatively impacting some of the poorest people in the world - children’s schooling, basic health care such as immunisations, HIV/AIDS prevention and sanitation have all been affected.”

Mr Costello added: “Australian Aid is an investment in reducing global poverty, in strengthening democracy, and providing health as well as education for the world’s poor.”

“A more equal world is possible and Australian Aid helps to ensure everyone has the same chance to secure a safe, happy future for themselves and their families,” said Oxfam Chief Executive Helen Szoke.

Paul O’Callaghan, CEO Caritas Australia added: “We can all play our part in building a fairer world. With over a million Australians each year reaching into their pockets to donate to aid, we must question why our government isn’t continuing the decades-long tradition of helping to reduce global poverty.”

“While European countries have increased their aid budgets, our government has made severe cuts. It’s difficult to comprehend why our leaders can’t realise that stepping in early prevents the emergencies we’re seeing with people starving and millions on the move,” said Dr Julia Newton-Howes AM, CEO of CARE Australia.

Additionally, Maree Nutt, CEO of RESULTS Australia said: “we’re living in a world where people born in certain countries don’t have the same opportunities as we do to keep their kids healthy, provide an education or get a job. It’s unjust.” 

“The successive cuts to the aid budget have had substantial impacts on some of the world's most vulnerable people. Young Australian's want to see our government invest in a peaceful and just world,” said Oaktree CEO, Chris Wallace.

Learn more about Campaign for Australian Aid’s pledge to Scott Morrison to stop the clock here: http://stoptheclock.org.au

If you’d like to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact Sarah Cannata on 0407 536 133.

About Campaign for Australian Aid 

The Campaign for Australian Aid is a joint initiative of the Make Poverty History and Micah Australia coalitions, for all Australians who believe we can and should do more as a nation to end extreme poverty around the world. It represents over 65 aid and development organisations, church, business and community groups.