We need your help to continue our work as an independent monitor of Australia's aid and trade.
Donate nowAustralian Aid
The Australian government will spend $4.3 billion on foreign aid in 2010-11. Aid spending is often seen as a selfless and philanthropic exercise for the benefit of people in less wealthy countries. In reality, aid is often driven by Australia’s national political and commercial interests. AID/WATCH has campaigned for 17 years to ensure that aid does not boomerang back to Australian corporations and institutions and is used for projects that meet the needs of communities.
Saddam Hussien and Alexander Downer protesing Iraq Kickbacks at the Cole Inquiry 2006
Whilst the Labor Government has made a commitment to increasing the aid budget to 0.5% of GNI by 2015, Australia will still remain a ways off the internationally agreed target of 0.7%. However more importantly, in addressing the effectiveness of the Australian aid program, Australia must not limit itself to increasing the level of its aid but needs to take urgent steps to address the quality of our aid in order to deliver genuine poverty relief and meet the diverse needs of communities.
