The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is urging the federal government to boost humanitarian and development assistance in the May budget.

The sector warns that greater investment is needed to effectively address urgent humanitarian needs and recent backsliding in development gains, all of which is compounded by climate change and conflict. 

ACFID CEO Marc Purcell said Australia was among the least generous OECD aid donors, ranking 26 out of 31 countries. Just 19 cents out of every $100 of gross national income is spent on Official Development Assistance. 

This falls far short of several allies including the United Kingdom (0.58%), Canada (0.38%) and New Zealand (0.3%). 

“This budget represents an opportunity to get Australia’s foreign aid spending back on track. The sector will be watching this budget closely,” Mr Purcell said. 

“We have seen human development outcomes go backwards during COVID-19. So that’s why we must seize the opportunity to help the region build health, education and food security following the pandemic. 

“This will bolster Australia’s relationships, and ensure a prosperous and stable region. 

“Australia’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund has not increased since 2018, despite a surge in global disasters and conflicts. Humanitarian need has never been greater, and we urgently need to double the fund to meet the scale of need and our humanitarian obligations.

“At the same time, our contribution to climate assistance falls far short of what is required to meet Australia’s fair share of the $100 billion global goal under the Paris Agreement.” said Mr Purcell

“To meet its international obligations, the federal government must double its aid budget to 37 cents out of every $100 of GNI by the end of 2027 and especially as the deadline to meet the SDGs approaches in 2030.

“We will not achieve this without a significant boost in next month’s budget. Australia’s credibility in bidding to host a UN COP with the Pacific as well as our future bid for a UN Security Council seat will be keenly watched by many states. We need to invest now if these ambitions are to be realised.”

ACFID is calling on to Australia to boosting official development assistance to the OECD average of 37 cents out of every $100 of gross national income by the end of 2027, with:

• $150m to double Australia’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund contribution; 
• $350m towards meeting Australia’s fair share on humanitarian funding; 
• $100m as an initial pledge for the global Loss and Damage Fund for developing nations;
• $40m to expand locally-led climate adaptation programs; 
• $50m for NGO-led impact investment funds; 
• $60m to safeguard civic space and strengthen civil society; 
• $35m for Australia’s NGO Cooperation Program; 
• $63.3m towards achieving LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality and disability equity in Australia’s development program.

Media contact: Georgie Moore 0477 779 928