Both major parties have an opportunity to clearly state they will preserve and even increase Australia’s overseas aid budget, after cuts by London and Washington.

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[–] MHLoppy@fedia.io 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Surely (despite it being meaningful to the people/orgs/countries etc which it would help) an increase to 1% of the budget is still insignificant compared to all the lost budget from US/UK funding though :(

[–] Gorgritch_umie_killa@aussie.zone 3 points 5 months ago

I don't think anyone suggested replacing the US/UK dollar for dollar.

What was suggested in the article is we can come in, with a relatively small investment and keep some things going in some areas.

The key to their argument is, due to the nature of the global aid-in-retreat situation, our step up would be more notably received than at other times. Thereby boosting our diplomatic and soft power reputation.

It is cynical, and callous terms to think in, but a budgetary shift like this could also save some lives at risk due to these aid cuts. And Australia could always use a better reputation, and closer ties to our region.