Posted on 10 August 2023
On August 8, Australia released their new International Development Policy, aimed at fostering a “peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Hon Pat Conroy and Senator Hon Penny Wong have released a joint statement announcing the new policy. “The new policy will underpin the Government's record international development investments, which are delivering $1.7 billion in new spending over five years and a commitment to long-term growth of the development program”, it says.
The policy is said to “drive the Government's aid investments in tackling regional challenges like poverty, economic growth, healthcare, infrastructure investment, climate change and gender equality” and “deliver a development program that is effective, responsive, transparent and accountable: fit for the challenges and opportunities of our times.”
Marc Purcell, CEO of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), has said that the “new policy brings coherence and a centre to Australia’s aid program.” The organisation has commended the new policy in terms of its focus on climate, the SDGs, civil society and its strong humanitarian strategy. However, accounting for unique barriers, having whole-world focus and identifying tangible outcomes are suggested by ACFID as areas for improvement.