The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is concerned to see Australia’s official development assistance has continued to decline as a percentage of gross national income, now at a record low in 2025, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data published overnight. 

The OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) reporting reveals the scale of recent global aid cuts and Australia’s relative position. Overall, 26 of the DAC’s 34 members reduced official development assistance in 2025 which has resulted in the largest single year decrease on record. Members of the DAC are some of the world’s wealthiest economies. 

While Australia avoided the steepest cuts seen among some DAC members, our ODA as a share of the economy still declined. Australia reached a record low of 0.18% ODA/GNI, trailing behind the OECD average of 0.26%. Comparable middle power partners maintained stronger support for the global community, with the United Kingdom allocating more than double Australia’s level of assistance (0.43%), and countries such as Japan and Canada remaining well above the DAC average (0.35% and 0.32% respectively). 

In the context of historic global funding cuts, Australia has the capacity to demonstrate leadership by ensuring our development spending keeps pace with global needs. Escalating conflicts, prolonged fuel and energy pressures, and worsening food insecurity are deepening crises worldwide, leaving more and more communities seeking support. ACFID is calling on the Australian Government to commit to sustained, real growth in development assistance and to outline a credible pathway to rebuilding Australia’s international development program.  

Quotes attributable to Matthew Maury, ACFID CEO: 

“With daily headlines pointing out significant challenges facing the world today, this is the worst time for Australian aid to be at a historic low. Our neighbours in the Pacific and around the world are watching, now is the time for Australia to put our values into action. 

“We can invest in advancing peace, addressing humanitarian needs, and building resilient communities worldwide, showing leadership with our commitment to a fairer and more equitable world for all. 

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