20th September, 2013
Plans to integrate AusAID into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been met with concern by anti-poverty network Micah Challenge.
Following the Abbott Government’s announcement that the Australian Agency for International Development would be integrated into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Micah Challenge issued a statement saying that "while it’s not yet clear how this change will be made, any reduction in AusAID’s capacity, staffing and mandate to tackle poverty poses a grave threat to Australia’s contribution to saving and improving people’s lives in our region".
Ben Thurley, Micah Challenge’s national co-ordinator, said in the statement that Micah Challenge was concerned the needs of the world’s poorest and the priorities of the aid program "could be pushed aside in favour of other, more self-interested, commercial, diplomatic or political situations".
Meanwhile Tim Costello, chief executive of World Vision Australia, described the move to reintegrate AusAID into DFAT as "disappointing" and said it would "send the wrong signal to developing countries in our immediate region".
He added that it was also disappointing the new Government has not appointed a minister for international development but welcomed the commitment to redirecting foreign aid funding to NGOs.
– DAVID ADAMS
