Welcome to AID/WATCH

AID/WATCH is a not for profit activist organisation monitoring and campaigning on Australian overseas aid and trade policies and programs. We work to ensure aid-funding reaches the right people, communities and their environments.

What's new

EVENT: Voices from Bangladesh Climate Change and Development Speaking Tour
AID/WATCH is pleased to be hosting a Climate Change and Development speaking tour of Bangladeshi academic Prof. Anu Muhammad during May 12-23rd. The tour will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, ...
2008-04-29

MEDIA KIT: Voices from Bangladesh Climate Justice Speaking Tour
Professor Anu Muhammad will be visiting Australia over the next two weeks to discuss the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh and urge the Australian government not to support the construction of ...
2008-05-07

MEDIA ALERT: Wayne Swan, use your ADB vote to stop Climate Change
A colourful theatrical demonstration will be held today to urge Australia’s Treasurer Wayne Swan not to fund dangerous climate change through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) ahead of the ADBs Annual ...
2008-05-01

REPORT: Phulbari coal Problem Project Paper
The Phulbari coal project is without a doubt one of the most contentious projects the Asian development Bank has considered financing. This Problem Project Paper details the environmental and social ...
2008-04-30

INTERVIEW: RAMSI raising Solomon Islands tension: report
ABC Radio National, The World Today

ARTICLE: RAMSI in the Solomons should be wound down
The Age, 28th April 2008

REPORT: The limits of RAMSI
After five years, much uncertainty remains in the Solomon Islands over the future of RAMSI. As a security force it still enjoys broad support, but there are serious local objections to its role and ...
2008-04-27

MEDIA RELEASE: RAMSI - Aid trauma without end
The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has inflicted ‘aid trauma’ on the Solomon Islands and lacks a viable exit strategy according to a report written for independent aid ...
2008-04-27

CAMPAIGN UPDATE: ADB backflips on Bangladesh coal project
Campaigners from Bangladesh and around the world celebrated last week when the Asian Development Bank reportedly decided to reject a three hundred million US dollar funding proposal to support the ...
2008-04-07

AID/WATCH Opinion Piece: When tax-free salaries count as aid
Sydney Morning Herald, 27 March 2008

ACTION: Letter Writing Appeal to Support the People of Phulbari, Bangladesh in opposing the Phulbari Coal Project
The proposed Phulbari Coal Project in Bangladesh is one of the most contentious and ill-conceived development projects the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has ever considered funding. AID/WATCH is ...
2008-03-19

ARTICLE: Aid is increasing, but can we spend it well?
AID/WATCH Co-director Kate Wheen and Co-Director of Jubilee Australia Stephanie Lusby have thrown their two cents into an online debate at the Lowy Institute on the question "The Rudd Government is ...
2008-02-27

POSITION VACANT: Campaigner
AID/WATCH is seeking to employ a part-time campaigner to be based in our Sydney office. Interested persons are invited to submit an application by Monday March 3rd. Please click this link to download ...
2008-02-14

EVENT: 'Understanding Globalisation' Short Course with Global Trade Watch
Melbourne-based Global Trade Watch is launching an exciting new short course for people interested to learn more about globalisation, global economics and their impacts on people and the environment. ...
2008-02-13

NEWS: International NGOs opposes Phulbari Coal Project
In a joint statement to the Asian Development Bank, 63 International civil society organisations including AID/WATCH have asked that the ADB cease it's involvement with the Phulbari Coal Project, ...
2008-02-04

FILM: "The Blood-Soaked Banner of Phulbari"
On August 26 2006 50,000 people took to the streets in opposition to the proposed Phulbari coal Project in Bangladesh which is being considered for funding by the ADB. During the protest 5 people ...
2008-02-04

MEDIA RELEASE: Thousands rally to support global call for a People’s Protocol on Climate Change
[Bali, Indonesia] - Almost five thousand people are expected to march across Indonesia today on International Human Rights Day, to join a growing coalition of individuals and people’s organisations ...
2007-12-10

UPDATE: Bali Climate Change Negotiations
As the COP 3 Climate negotiations end their first week, Flint Duxfield has a look at the highlights and lowlights of negotiations so far
2007-12-09

REPORT: Issues paper on Trade and Climate Change
AID/WATCH Campaigner Flint Duxfield is in Bali this week delivering workshop to the visiting civil society and government representatives from around the world on the connection between climate ...
2007-12-03

MEDIA RELEASE: Rudd wrong to pull McMullan and Aid portfolio from cabinet
There are 700 million reasons why Kevin Rudd should have made Bob McMullen, and his portfolio of International Development a full member of cabinet, argues aid watchdog, AID/WATCH. 700 million is the ...
2007-11-29

EVENT: Workshop on Trade, Agrofuels and Climate Change (Bali)
In conjunction with Ibon Foundation, the Pesticides Action Network, the Third World Network, AID/WATCH is pleased to present a workshop on Trade, Agrofuels and Climate Change as an official side even ...
2007-12-04

People & Planet: Social Justice & Environment Diary 2008
Order your 2008 People and Planet Diary today. Its a great way to support the work of AID/WATCH and also a perfect gift for Christmas!! People & Planet 2008 is an exciting new diary featuring 55 ...
2007-11-21

NEWS: Australia's foreign aid 'pathetic': Bob Geldof
Live aid organiser Sir Bob Geldof commented yesterday that Australia is one of the meanest countries on the planet in terms of the amount of Aid it provides. The Sydney Morning Herald's Tony Moore ...
2007-11-20

NEWS: Civil Society Raises Concerns over Mainstream Mekong Dams
Over 200 civil society organisations from 30 countries have raised concerns today over the impact that six hydropower dams planned for the the lower Mekong River would have on the environment and ...
2007-11-13

ARTICLE: The Twin Crises of Climate Change
AID/WATCH Co-Director Flint Duxfield has recently published a feature article in 'Just Change' magazine in New Zealand/Aotearoa. Flint's article highlights the twin crises of global poverty and ...
2007-11-08

EVENT: FREE BURMA RALLY 12pm Sat November 19th Sydney
Show your solidarity with the struggle for democracy in Burma. Demand Australia stops training Burmese police and pay respect to over 2,000 people who have been detained since the violent crackdown ...
2007-11-08

ACTION ALERT: Rally to end Australian support to the Burmese Military
Prime Minister must stop the ‘blood on our hands’ in Australian training of Burmese police. The Prime Minister must announce the Australian Federal Police will stop training Burmese police or ...
2007-10-31

ARTICLE: We trained Burmese Officials, Police Admit
Sydney Morning Herald, 5th October 2007. The Australian Federal Police has confirmed three of its officers trained 20 Burmese police in intelligence gathering, as the international group Aidwatch ...
2007-10-05

MEDIA RELEASE: Aid watchdog demands Australia halt funding for intelligence training in Burma
AIDWATCH revealed today that Australian aid money is being used to train Burmese intelligence officers. AIDWATCH spokesperson, Kate Wheen said: 'Many of the senior police and intelligence ...
2007-10-05

Background Report: Australia Aiding Burmese Intelligence Gathering
When Burma entered ASEAN in 1997 it gained access to AUSAID's million ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program - the AADCP. In this Background report AID/WATCH reveals that Australian aid has ...
2007-10-05

RADIO INTERVIEW: Australia Misused Aid to Iraq
A damning new AID/WATCH report has been released into the manner in which Australia was using - or misusing - money earmarked for humanitarian relief in Iraq. The report concludes that tens of ...
2007-08-06

MEDIA RELEASE: Downer Shoots the Messenger: Minister refuses to answer questions on Aid to Iraq
Independent aid watchdog AID/WATCH has rejected claims by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer that AID/WATCH is an ‘extremist organisation’, suggesting the Minister is attempting to distract the public ...
2007-08-03

MEDIA RELEASE: Australian aid to Iraq used for economic gain not humanitarian relief
A report released today by AID/WATCH claims aid sent to Iraq was used to promote Australian commercial interests not humanitarian purposes. Determining their National Interest: Australia’s ...
2007-08-03

REPORT: Determining their National Interest: Australia's Economic Intervention in Iraq
Australia's involvement in the war on Iraq is one of the most controversial issues in the recent history of Australia foreign policy. This report documents Australian interference in the Iraqi ...
2007-08-03

Newsletter: July 2007 #31
Top Stories include: Howards Pacific Solution to Climate Change, Bilateral Aid trends in the Pacific, Rising Sea Levels and the Caterets, Energy and Development under Burma's Military regime and more.
2007-08-01

MEDIA RELEASE: Labor climate funding drop in the ocean of probable sea level rise

2007-07-24

EVENT: Independent people's tribunal of the World Bank (India)
The World Bank Tribunal, the first of its kind in India, is an opportunity for concerned groups and individuals to present research and evidence that objectively examines the impact that the World ...
2007-07-24

Moti affair another Canberra blunder
As part of our dedication to offering alternatives to current systems of international development, some months ago AID/WATCH was pleased to present the fascinating documentary "Mountains of Light". ...
2007-07-12

INTERVIEW: The Government and Charities; silencing dissent
Last Week, ABC Radio 702 aired a talkback program featuring AID/WATCH chair James Goodman along with "Silencing Dissent" Author Clive Hamilton and World Vision head Tim Costello on the issue of ...
2007-06-25

AID/WATCH End of Financial Year Appeal
It is that time of year when AID/WATCH is asking all our kind supporters to give as generously as you can to our End-Of-Financial-Year appeal. By clicking this link you can read all about our work ...
2007-05-10

AID/WATCH in the News: Media Coverage for 'Fighting Poverty or Fantasy Figures: The Reality of Australian Aid'
AID/WATCH received widespread media coverage for its report 'Fighting Poverty or Fantasy Figures: The Reality of Australian aid'. This included stories that ran in The Sydney Morning herald, the Age ...
2007-05-29

BACKGROUNDER: ATO's Removal of AID/WATCH's Charity Status
In 2007 the Australian Tax Office revoked AIDWATCH’s charity status. The ATO’s decision, posted on this website, seriously threatens the public role of all Australian charities. This ‘Backgrounder’ ...
2007-05-30

MEDIA RELEASE: First Strike by Government Against Free Speech for Charities
Community organisation, AID/WATCH, has been disqualified from charitable status for participating in the democratic process. In an ATO ruling, AID/WATCH has lost its ability to act as a charity for ...
2007-05-30

MEDIA RELEASE:Report shows Australian aid inflated by over a billion dollars
A report released today by AID/WATCH finds that a billion dollars, or roughly a third of Australia’s aid program provides no direct benefit to poverty alleviation in aid recipient ...
2007-05-28

MEDIA RELEASE: Budget - Australians get richer as poor countries get forgotten
Australian aid watchdog AID/WATCH has criticized the recent Aid Budget for failing to deliver a meaningful increase in aid for poverty alleviation and climate change in the region despite a $ 10.6 bn ...
2007-05-14

RADIO INTERVIEW: Relief starts to reach tsunami devastated regions of the Solomon Islands
The World Today, ABC Radio, 13th April 2007, Reporter Lindy Kerin ... Now to the Solomon Islands, where relief is slowing reaching residents in the tsunami-devastated region. Aid agencies are ...
2007-04-17

RADIO INTERVIEW: 'Report Highlights Funding Flaws' The World Today, ABC Radio
With the Australian government offering two million dollars to the earthquake-ravaged Solomon Islands, the nation's overall aid funding program has been highlighted in a new report. A survey ...
2007-04-17

REPORT: Attitudes to Aid
Download a copy of AID/WATCH's new Attitudes to Aid report here.
2007-04-05

AID/WATCH AGM
It’s that time of year again as we invite all AID/WATCH members to join us for our AID/WATCH Annual General Meeting for 2006. In 2006 we witnessed some amazing campaign achievements with two ground ...
2007-04-03

ACTION: Global Day of Action against Shwe Oil Pipeline in Burma
“No More Guns for Gas” On March 26, 2007 Join Activists from Around the World Stop Indian and South Korean Support for the Shwe Gas Project and the Military Regime in Burma See the ...
2007-03-20

MEDIA RELEASE: Global Day of Action against Salween Dams, Burma
Today at 12pm members of the Burmese community will be joined by Sydneysiders outside the Thai Consulate General in Sydney to hold a peaceful demonstration and present a petition opposing the ...
2007-02-28

ACTION: Global Day of Action against Salween Dams in Burma
On the 28th of February a Global Day of Action will be held to protest against the Thai government’s plans with the Burmese military regime to dam the Salween River in Burma. Peacefull demonstrations ...
2007-02-20

Call for Expressions of Interest for AID/WATCH volunteer bookkeeper
AID/WATCH is currently seeking expressions of interest for two exciting volunteer positions. If you have experience in bookkeeping and accounting for small organisations and would be interested in ...
2007-02-20

Call for Expressions of Interest for AID/WATCH Website Intern
AID/WATCH is currently seeking expressions of interest for two exciting volunteer positions. If you have experience in website development and would be interested in commiting some energey to ...
2007-02-20

INTERVIEW:Tax incentives and development in the Pacific
An influential government-funded think-tank is urging the Federal Government to give companies a massive tax break as an incentive to invest in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region. Emily ...
2007-02-19

ARTICLE: 'Creative' figures skew aid picture
The Government claims to have increased its foreign aid in the past financial year, but figures released by its own aid distribution agency, AusAID, suggest that much of the increase is due to ...
2007-02-05

UPDATE: Thailand and Myanmar at Odds over Salween Dams
Signaling a potentially momentous change in its foreign policy toward Myanmar, Thailand's new Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand has said he intends to reassess, and possibly abandon, the previous ...
2007-01-10

AUDIO DOCUMENTARY: Come to My Village - land and life in PNG
Our closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, has over 800 languages and enormous cultural and biological diversity. Yet many Australians equate the entire country with the legacies of the Kokoda Trail, ...
2006-11-23

Interview: Melbourne quiet ahead of G20 meeting
ABC Radio's The World Today interviews activists including AID/WATCH's Kate Wheen on their attitudes towards the G20 meeting last weekend in Melbourne as well as their own views on activism and ...
2006-11-23

REPORT: Australian aid: Promoting Insecurity?
The 2006 Reality of Aid Independent Review of Poverty Reduction and Development Assistance is now available on the Reality of Aid Website. The report focuses specifically on the relationship between ...
2006-11-22

MEDIA RELEASE:Too much Aid tied up in the War on Terror
An International review of global aid, launched by AID/WATCH, will reveal that despite aid levels rising globally, an excessive quantity of aid is tied up in the conflict zones associated with the ...
2006-11-22

MEDIA RELEASE: Melbourne G20 Summit a 'Security Threat'
An AIDWATCH statement released today identifies G20 policies as a key threat to human and ecological security. Co-director Kate Wheen says: 'The G20 policy agenda threatens liveliood, sustainability ...
2006-11-17

G20 Activist Kit
The AID/WATCH activist Kit for anyone intending to attend the G20 meeting in Melbourne.
2006-11-07

People and Planet Social Justice Diary 2007 Available Now
People & Planet is an exciting new diary featuring 55 striking and inspiring full-colour photos of people and places around the world – taken by young Australian photographers. The photos are ...
2006-10-31

Newsletter: October 2006, #30
Top stories include: Lessons learn from Tsunami aid, East Timor After Alkatiri, PNG update and an examination of the conditions which underlie the G8's debt cancellation strategy.
2006-11-06

INTERVIEW: Concern about Pacific aid conditions
Australia's decision to attach conditions to its aid program in the Pacific has prompted criticism from several quarters, not least of all the Australian opposition. The move follows a deepening ...
2006-10-21

The collapse of Australia’s Pacific intervention
ONLINE OPINION article by Tim Anderson: The strong parliamentary vote of confidence in Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is a sign that the Howard Government’s Pacific intervention ...
2006-10-21

GALLERY: Graun Em Laip Photography Exhibition a Success
AID/WATCH's Graun em Laip (Land is life) photography exhibition recently toured Sydney and Melbourne receiving a great response from all who attended. To view more of the photos from the Melbourne ...
2006-10-18

MEDIA RELEASE: AID/WATCH report on Aid and Security causes a stir at the OECD in Paris
The Australian Governments abuse of its aid program was exposed this week at a meeting at the OECD in Paris. AID/WATCH was at the headquarters of the OECD to launch the 2006 Global Aid report as a ...
2006-06-26

MEDIA RELEASE: National Audit slams Billion Dollar Government Tsunami Aid Program
A National Audit of the billion dollar Tsunami assistance package, released yesterday, has revealed some major defects in the Australian Government aid program. The Australia Indonesia Partnership ...
2006-06-28

Once again the Australian Government aid program has come under international criticism. Will the minister be listening
On a recent visit to Canberra, the UNs Millennium Campaign Director Salil Shetty has criticised Australia for not being nearly as generous as it could be, given the strength of our current economy ...
2006-06-16

Article: Colonising with aid
The regional solutions that Australia is attempting to import through our aid program are not working. Maybe it's time to go back to the drawing board.
2006-06-07

REPORT: Indonesia Earthquake Appeal Donation Guide
Considering donating to the Indonesian earthquake in Yogyakarta or to support the people of Timor. Make sure you check out our latest Donation Guide before you do.
2006-05-31

ARTICLE: What is Howard’s Role in the Timor Leste Coup?
The violence in Dili is hardly an industrial dispute, nor spontaneous ethnic violence. Timor Leste’s Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri, says the armed attacks are part of an attempted coup, and follow a ...
2006-05-31

ARTICLE: Let's not meddle in Timor's politics
Australia's focus in Timor must be to protect the democratic rights of the East Timorese people. International armed forces from Australia and other invited nations are there as peacekeepers. The ...
2006-05-31

SURVEY: Understanding Australian Aid: How much do you really know?
AID/WATCH is conducting a survey, to be completed by parliamentarians and our members. The research will be used for a report to create a greater awareness about Australia’s aid program. We would ...
2006-05-15

EOI: Papua New Guinea Community Exposure Tour, July 2006
AID/WATCH campaigners are inviting interested applicants to travel with us to Papua New Guinea in July of this year. As the guest of our partners in PNG, this tour provides a unique opportunity to ...
2006-05-12

MEDIA RELEASE: Australians count their billions and forget about the impoverished
As the Australian treasurer announced $ 37 billion in tax cuts and a $ 10.8 billion surplus tonight, the 700,000 people in our region living on less than $ 2 per day, were asked to scramble for ...
2006-05-11

AID/WATCH End of Financial Year Appeal 2006
AID/WATCH is currently appealing to all our supporters to dig deep for our small organisation and give generously to our End of Financial Year Appeal for 2006. Your contributions are vital to the ...
2006-05-05

MEDIA RELEASE: More aid money wasted supporting AWB and politicians.
The leeching of the Australian aid budget to support the interests of Australian business continues with a new contract valued at $ 104,500 recently allocated by AusAID for legal assistance at the ...
2006-05-04

Media Coverage: AID/WATCH response to the Australian white paper on aid
Some of the Media Coverage of AID/WATCHs response to the aid White Paper released on the 26th April 2006
2006-04-28

MEDIA RELEASE: Aid White Paper softens the hard edges but not clear how the poorest will benefit.
The Aid white paper announced today by Alexander Downer provides some much needed changes to the aid program according to AID/WATCH, but more needs to be done to ensure we can join the global ...
2006-04-26

Article: Now is our chance to boost global aid
THE forthcoming white paper on Australia's overseas aid program provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to begin tackling the structural issues that have kept half the world's population living ...
2006-04-25

INTERVIEWS: AID/WATCH on the Solomon Islands and West Papua
As ethnic tensions and political disappointment boil over on the streets of the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara, commentators are scrutinising the role of the Australian Government. Associate ...
2006-04-20

Event: AID/WATCH in action at the Cole Inquiry.
AID/WATCH highlights Downer’s complicity in using Aussie aid to promote profit. Alexander Downer, John Howard, Saddam Hussein and Trevor Flugge were reunited today out the front of the Cole inquiry ...
2006-04-18

Article: Outgoing Alexander adds touch of farce
THE first thing to accost you on the way into the Cole commission yesterday was an orderly and civilised protest, organised by a group called Aidwatch. An articulate spokesman for the group, Tim ...
2006-04-12

Media Release: Downer refuses to walk the gauntlet at AWB… but will he talk the talk?
In a big slap for democracy the Foreign Minister Alexander Downer refused to submit to the scrutiny of the media by sneaking into the Cole Inquiry into the AWB today. The courageous though seemingly ...
2006-04-11

Media Release: OXFAM shows commitment to stamping out graft in Aceh.
Oxfam should be congratulated for its difficult decision in temporarily suspending part of its operations in a district of Aceh province due to corruption concerns, according to aid watchdog ...
2006-03-17

ARTICLE: More to Iraq wheat than kickbacks
Trevor Flugge, the wheat farmer from WA who was recently splashed across the newspapers smiling, shirtless, sweating and aiming a handgun at the camera, may not be the first person you would ...
2006-03-13

Article: Aid groups admit delays helping tsunami victims
Australian aid agencies concede they are lagging in tsunami reconstruction efforts, but have asked the public to be patient and to understand that the scale of devastation has limited their ability ...
2006-03-11

Update: Not Quite Minister….Downer gets it wrong again on tsunami report.
The Australian Foreign Minister was in Indonesia upon the release of the recent tsunami evaluation report “A people’s agenda – reconstruction in post-tsunami Aceh” which was compiled by Eye on Aceh ...
2006-03-02

Article: Corruption undermines Aceh tsunami aid
GOVERNMENT aid to the tsunami-devastated province of Aceh has been undermined by corruption, poor communication with locals and a failure to protect the environment, a report has found. The document, ...
2006-02-28

Article: The Howard Government, Australian aid and the consequences
In 1997 the Howard Government gave Australia’s foreign aid program a ‘poverty reduction’ focus with a ‘national interest’ link (Downer 2002), later developing ‘good governance’ as the principal ...
2006-03-01

Position Available: Call for EOI regarding position of AID/WATCH Fundraising Director
Summary of Role: The Fundraising Director is responsible for facilitating a long-term income generation strategy for the organisation with potential and current financial supporters, and in addition ...
2006-02-24

Media Release:ALP Provide positive alternative on aid.
The Australian aid watchdog, AID/WATCH, commended the Australian Labor Party on its new aid policy announced today, “Our Generations Challenge”. The new policy paper clearly identifies areas of aid ...
2006-02-21

Article: Australian aid - in the national interest
The lens of “national interest” through which the Australian aid program is delivered will always ensure Aussie aid kowtows to the slavish interests of business and politics. If Australia truly wants ...
2006-02-17

Article: Aussie aid AWB's best friend in Iraq
Australian aid played a key role in the AWB scandal in Iraq. Western Australian grain producer and ex-AWB chairman Trevor Flugge and AWB employee Michel Long, both closely involved with securing the ...
2006-02-17

Article: Dollars and Dough - Aussie aid and the AWB
Trevor Flugge, the wheat farmer from Western Australia who recently appeared on the front of a national newspaper smiling, shirtless, sweating and aiming a handgun at the camera, may not be the first ...
2006-02-10

Article: World Social Forum - Another World is possible
Here are a few observations from Venezuela and the 2006 World Social Forum (WSF), held in Caracas. I went to Caracas in December, during the National Assembly elections (en route to Cuba, where I ...
2006-02-07

Position Available: International Financial Institution - Debt Campaigner (readvertised)
The position of IFI-Debt campaigner has been amended and is being readvertised due to unforseen circumstances. Previous applicants need not apply.
2006-01-18

New: The WTO Trade Organisation: An Australian Guide - 2006 Edition
Global Trade Watch has just published the 3rd edition of their popular booklet "The World Trade Organisation: An Australian Guide". It's packed full of easy to understand explanations of what the WTO ...
2006-01-19

MEDIA RELEASE: Australia must push China to release WTO activists.
AID/WATCH today joined the international call to action to ensure the release of 14 protesters detained for almost a month after opposing the World Trade Organisation ongoing negotiations on December ...
2006-01-09

Seasons greetings to you all
As 2005 comes to a close, I am taking a moment to thank you for your support of AID/WATCH over the course of another very busy year. The tragic event of the December 26th in 2004 tsunami placed aid ...
2005-12-22

MEDIA RELEASE: WTO Development Package full of empty slogans
Australian NGOs and union delegates at the WTO Ministerial declared today that the development package being offered to developing countries is all spin. Hidden behind this package are plans to open ...
2005-12-15

Article: Helping others to help themselves...the ethics of aid
Nobel Prize winner in economics, Amartya Sen has said that human development should be about 'advancing the richness of human life, rather than the richness of the economy in which human beings live.'
2005-12-15

Background paper No 10: Customary landowners rights under threat in Papua New Guinea
In the last decade, there have been two major attempts to register customary land in PNG. These were unsuccessful due to widespread public opposition, with most Papua New Guineans recognising it as ...
2005-12-15

Update: WTO Day 2 - Civil society stands strong
Jemma Bailey from the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET) and Matt Skellern, both from the AID/WATCH board are the first with the latest from the sfirst day of the latest WTO ...
2005-12-14

REPORT: STH ASIA EARTHQUAKES DONATION GUIDE - update 12 October
What are the important issues to understand when donating to the South Asia Earthquakes response efforts. Find out here...
2005-10-13

MEDIA RELEASE: Disaster response on the run: What is Howard’s policy?
AID/WATCH called on the Australian Government today to release the criteria it uses for developing its response to international disasters. The request comes after significant imbalances have emerged ...
2005-10-12

MEDIA RELEASE: Australia’s aid increase…as abstemious as we are accustomed.
Australian Prime Minister John Howards’ announced aid increase, to ‘about Billion a year by 2010’, may not be as generous as expected and still falls well below the 0.7% of Gross National Income ...
2005-09-14

ARTICLE: Downer defends tardy spending of aid money
FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer yesterday defended the pace of reconstruction in Aceh, amid growing criticism that only a tiny portion of the Australian Government's billion tsunami aid package ...
2005-09-07

MR: Alexander Downer...still spinning it like Warnie
Foreign Minister Downer and AusAID are seemingly seeking a nomination for political spin of the year in suggesting the recently released ‘Commitment to Development Index’ (CDI) is a pat on the back ...
2005-09-01

Article: PNG 30 years on the shadow of Australia still looms
On 15 September 1975 the Australian flag was lowered for the last time in Papua New Guinea. It was a momentous occasion and a historic day for PNG, but thirty years on, the shadow of Australia still ...
2005-09-01

MEDIA RELEASE: World Bank says Australian tsunami aid not really tsunami aid.
As little as $ 125 million of the pledged $ 1 billion in tsunami funds pledged by the Australian Government for tsunami relief is going to Aceh according to the World Bank. Joe Lietman, Manager of ...
2005-08-22

Interview: AUSTRALIA: Government responds to Senate Pacific inquiry
An Australian non-government organisation has criticised the Australian government for its delay in replying to a 2003 Senate inquiry on Australia's relations with the Pacific. The Australian ...
2005-08-10

Media Release: Australian Government in the Pacific – What have they got to hide?
The Australian government has finally responded to ‘A Pacific Engaged’ the Senate report into Australia’s relations with the South West Pacific – 22 months after the report was released. The ...
2005-08-10