The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for Australian development and humanitarian NGOs has today welcomed several foreign policy ministerial appointments, including the appointment of The Hon. Dr Anne Aly MP to the role of Minister for International Development.  

ACFID looks forward to building on the constructive reforms made in the first Albanese Government to revitalise Australia’s international development, humanitarian, and climate finance programs. 

We also congratulate the following appointments: 

• Senator the Hon. Penny Wong on her re-appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
• The Hon. Chris Bowen MP on his re-appointment as Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
• The Hon. Pat Conroy MP on his re-appointment as Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.
• The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP on his appointment as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• The Hon. Josh Wilson MP on his re-appointment as Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
• Senator the Hon. Nita Green on her appointment as Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.
• The Hon. Kate Thwaites MP on her appointment as Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience.

We thank the previous Minister, The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, for his dedication to strengthening Australia’s partnership with NGOs. 

We’d also like to thank the previous Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Tim Watts MP, for his advocacy on humanitarian issues, including in Sudan and across the wider Horn of Africa region.  

Quotes attributable to Matthew Maury, ACFID’s CEO:  

“Australian development and humanitarian NGOs welcome the appointment of Minister Anne Aly to the role of Minister for International Development. We look forward to working with Minister Aly, building on the work of Minister Conroy as the sector faces a world with rising conflict, hunger, and climate disasters.”  

“ACFID welcomes the appointment of a Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, which highlights the Albanese Government’s commitment to an ambitious COP31 with our Pacific neighbours, should the bid be successful.” 

“The Albanese Government in its first term delivered solid progress in strengthening Australia’s aid program. From Development Partnership Plans to incremental increases to the overall aid program, the sector has appreciated that Australia has held the line on aid as other donors have retreated.” 

“In the Albanese Government’s second term, ACFID is calling for a pathway to increase Australia’s aid budget from 0.65% to 1% of the Federal Budget. It’s a modest increase but will make a world of difference.” 

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