The Wire

Money for Foreign Aid will be delayed for a year, despite promises made by the Government six months ago that it would be increased from 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income to 0.5 per cent by 2015/16.

The delay will mean $2.9 billion less for under-developed countries over the next four years – but will help the Government return the country to surplus.However, NGOs like Care Australia believe we have a duty to help those worse off. CEO of Care Australia, Dr Julia Newton-Howes says Australia’s ability to provide aid is important in ensuring that our neighbours and trading partners are stable. Federal Greens Senator and spokesperson for overseas aid, Lee Rhiannon, says that a delay to the aid budget stops money going into vital programs that offer less developed countries help.