Latest OECD aid rankings show brutal impact of Government cuts
Announcement posted by Sarah Cannata 12 Apr 2017
12 April 2017
MEDIA RELEASE
Latest OECD aid rankings show brutal impact of Government cuts
New figures released overnight by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2016, places Australia’s OECD aid ranking at 17th as a percentage of Gross National Income (GNI). Ranking 16th in 2015, Australia is now behind 16 other countries including falling below Italy and Canada.
"This is a ranking the Government should be ashamed of. The Australian Government has cut Australian Aid to the lowest level in our history at a time when global challenges require us to work together more than ever before; walking away from people living in the world’s poorest communities,” said the Director for Campaign for Australian Aid, Tony Milne.
"Right now, the world is facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II with 20 million people in Africa and Yemen facing starvation, unless the global community acts now to raise the $5.8 billion (AUS) the UN says is needed by July to avert famine. Meanwhile, in March and after six years of devastating conflict, we saw the five millionth Syrian refugee flee their country in search for safety.
"The Government has taken Australia to rock bottom and it's time the Government reversed these drastic aid cuts so that we can increase support for those in desperate need.”
Mr Milne added: "No country can solve any of the big global challenges that are confronting the world on its own. But we can all play our part. The Government has an opportunity in Budget 2017 to take a stand as a bastion of compassion and human rights, recognising that opportunities in life shouldn't be based on the luck of where you’re born."
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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.