In the city, in the country, at cafes and on their lunchbreaks, we asked Australians what they think about overseas aid: do we spend enough on aid, and has it helped save lives?
Watch the video ...the answers may surprise you!
The Australian Government and the Coalition have promised to allocate 50 cents in every $100 of Gross National Income (GNI) to overseas aid by 2015. Right now, Australia gives just 35 cents out of every $100 of GNI. This means out of the world’s 23 richest donor nations, Australia is ranked 13th when it comes to government aid generosity. France, Germany, Ireland and the UK are among the countries that give more than we do.
Although wealthy countries spend a small amount on aid, it’s having a big impact. Based on UNICEF figures, the lives of at least 7 million children have been saved with the help of aid in the past 10 years.
Prime Minister Gillard recently said “there is a lot to be proud of in our current aid program”. The new Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, also says that Australia’s efforts are making a big difference.
But tough economic times mean aid could still be cut in the upcoming May Federal Budget.
Take action to support overseas aid
• Show the Federal Government you support spending on overseas aid.
• Go to a Make Poverty History event and find out more about Australia’s aid budget
• Share our Australian aid video with your friends on Twitter and Facebook