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Aid is in Crisis: Australia NGOs rally at Parliament to call for action

Nov 4, 2025 | Media Releases

As humanitarian needs reach unprecedented levels, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), alongside 27 of its member Australian aid and development organisations, will rally at Parliament House today for an increase of Australian Aid to 1% of the federal budget as part of the Safer World for All campaign. The call comes amid devastating global aid cuts earlier this year and escalating crises that threaten the lives of millions. 

Today, at least one in five children live in a conflict zone and 735 million people face chronic hunger. The international community is grappling with conflict, natural disasters, and economic instability. 

In early 2025, the United States announced cuts that slashed 42% of global aid funding, amounting to $64 billion. At the same time, major donors, including the United Kingdom and Germany, made cuts to their aid budgets, worsening the crisis.   

“The full extent of these cuts is really only being felt now,” said Matthew Maury, ACFID CEO. “Australian NGOs are already stretched thin and now face the impossible challenge of doing more with even less. If this trajectory continues, the Lancet medical journal predicts, 14 million people could die preventable deaths by 2030.” 

Australia’s aid budget has experienced a steady decline over the past decade in real terms – currently standing at just 0.65% of the Federal Budget.  

“While we commend the Government for not cutting aid in the current budget, the need in our region continues to grow,” Mr Maury said. “This year alone, we’ve seen the devastating effects of disease outbreaks in Fiji and Tuvalu, natural disasters in Vanuatu and the growing needs due to the conflict in Myanmar.”  

“Australia’s development program is smart diplomacy. It underpins regional stability, economic partnerships, and our standing as a trusted neighbour.” 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064.   

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