As the election date of May 3 looms closer, a new podcast episode jointly hosted by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the Safer World for All campaign, the Australian National University Development Policy Centre and the International Development Contractors Community (IDCC) has been released.  

The episode consists of conversations with The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and Spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice and Zali Steggall OAM, MP, Member for Warringah.  

Minister Conroy offers detailed insights into the Australian Government’s record in international development throughout this term, which includes key initiatives such as the New International Development Policy and Development Partnership Plans.  

In the discussion with Senator Faruqi, she outlines the Australian Greens vision for foreign aid, calling for significant increases in funding, alongside an independent oversight agency to improve aid accountability and transparency.  

Zali Steggall notes that international action on climate change will be key to her support for a minority government and reiterates her support for foreign aid to be 1% of the Australian federal budget. 

The Coalition declined the invitation to appear on the podcast. We look forward to further announcements from the Coalition supporting the Australian Aid program as we get closer to polling day.  

Quotes attributable to Matthew Maury, ACFID Interim CEO: 

“ACFID is excited to release this new podcast with spokespeople from Labor, the Greens and the crossbench. We hope these episodes are useful in informing voters of the positions on international development and humanitarian assistance ahead of the upcoming federal election.”  

“As the election date approaches, ACFID continues to call on all parties and candidates to commit to increasing Australia’s aid budget from 0.65% to 1% of the Federal Budget.” 

“We can address our domestic challenges and support our neighbours simultaneously. The same factors driving the cost-of-living crisis here are causing severe poverty and instability abroad.  

“By lifting our modest aid budget from 0.65% to just 1% of the Federal Budget, we can strengthen regional stability, unlock new economic opportunities, and still ensure that 99% of the budget remains focused on domestic priorities.” 

“We welcome comments from the major parties regarding Australia’s contributions to international development, particularly in our region. In a world of increased uncertainty, instability, conflict and climate change, now is the time to put our values of generosity and compassion into action through Australia’s aid budget.” 

The podcast series is available on Apple Podcasts here and Spotify here. 

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