World Vision welcomes new Foreign Minister Bob Carr

Friday, March 2, 2012

World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello today welcomed the appointment of the Hon Bob Carr to the portfolio of Foreign Affairs.

He also thanked the outgoing Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, for his commitment to eradicating poverty and improving the lives of the world’s poor.

Mr Costello said he was particularly pleased to hear Mr Carr identify the Asia-Pacific region as an immediate priority once he assumes the role of Foreign Minister.

"Despite the hard work of the government and organisations like World Vision, there is still significant poverty in our region," said Mr Costello. "More than 7 million children die each year around the world, most from preventable causes and more than three million of them are in Asia.

"We also have a special responsibility to build our relationships with our Pacific Island neighbours.

"World Vision looks forward to working with Mr Carr to continue to improve the effectiveness of Australia’s aid program and deepen our relationships with our neighbours."

Mr Costello also welcomed the expansion of the Hon. Richard Marles’ role to include Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

As the nation’s biggest development agency, World Vision Australia looks forward to working with Mr Carr and Mr Marles as the Government delivers on its commitment to allocate 0.5 per cent of national income to aid by 2015.

Both the Government and Opposition have committed to reach 0.5 per cent of GNI by 2015/2016.

"Australia has emerged in recent years as one of the world’s leaders in the international aid community," said Mr Costello. "And we welcome Mr Carr’s acknowledgment of that today.

"Aid and development is not just a commitment to the world’s poor, but also an investment that is helping make Australia safer and more prosperous.

"We know that aid works. Since 1990, the global aid effort has helped to save the lives of 45 million children."

Media Releases, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Bob Carr, Tim Costello, World Vision

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