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Policy and Advocacy

ACFID advocates to the Australian government and parliament for a compassionate and high impact development cooperation and humanitarian assistance program for Australia. ACFID advocates for international development policy and practice that is responsive to its context, based on partner country needs, takes account of what works, and is founded on internationally agreed norms for sustainable development, human rights, and open and inclusive societies.

New Development Policy 2023

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that the Government would be designing a new policy for Australia’s development cooperation program and humanitarian assistance. ACFID convened members member organisations to develop policies and helped provide additional support, as well as submitted our own submission. 

Current Projects

ACFID 2023-24 Federal Budget Front Cover. Features an image from PNG of men painting a mural

ACFID’s 2023-24 Federal Budget Analysis

ACFID has released our annual analysis of the Federal Budget as it relates to the development program.  While the Budget for 23-24 contains only modest immediate measures aimed at boosting ODA, ACFID recognises the Government is devoted to sequenced increases of 2.5...
A quote from Marc Purcell on the 23/24 Federal Budget: The Government’s stabilisation of the aid program has come not a moment too soon. Australia has descended to nearly the bottom of the OECD donor ladder over the last few years. And will continue to do so unless there are substantial investments in future budgets'

Aid Budget: Slow, But Steady

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) welcomes the 2023-24 Federal Budget’s measures towards improving Official Development Assistance, describing them as “responsible and sustainable.”   While the Budget contains only modest immediate measures...

Aid Sector Welcomes $6m for Sudan; Urges an Amplified Australian Response

Australia’s international aid and humanitarian sector has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement over the weekend of an initial $6 million in emergency funding to assist the people of Sudan, which is currently in the grips of a deadly civil conflict.  ...

Peace must remain central to Australia’s defence purpose: aid sector

The Australian government has today released its long-awaited Defence Strategic Review. In acknowledging the document, the Australian international development sector wants to remind stakeholders that the ultimate goal of Australia's Defence program must remain the...

International development sector concerned about drop in Australia’s OECD DAC ranking 

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is concerned that Australia has fallen further down the global development assistance ladder, sitting at 27th out of 30 member states in new data released by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC)...
Cover of Same Space Different Mandates Book. Features a picture of a man kayaking down a flooded street.

Same Space – Different Mandates

Same Space – Different Mandates A Civil-Military-Police Guide for Stakeholders in International Disaster and Conflict Response Same Space – Different Mandates aims to improve the collective understanding of civil, military and police stakeholders responding to...
Sandra Hamid, Democracy Advocate, Jakarta on Reimagining Development

On Southeast Asia, with Sandra Hamid

Australia is recognising the importance and relevance of Southeast Asia, with a DFAT Office of Southeast Asia and a standalone Southeast Asia Economic Strategy in the works.   ODA reflects this region as a priority, with an additional $470m announced in the...
Kristy Graham, Executive Officer of the Australian Sustainable Financial Institute

How to Spend It, Private Sector Style, with Kristy Graham

The private sector is increasingly becoming a player in the development space. Whether through the provision of grants or becoming directly involved in the provision of essential services or investments in sustainability, the private sector has an increasing interest...
A smiling woman in a green shirt hands out medication at a pharmacy.

ACFID welcomes Australia’s $620m health package for Southeast Asia and the Pacific

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) applauds the Government's announcement this morning of a comprehensive package of funding for health services in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.     'Partnerships for a Healthy Region', worth $620 million,...
John Capper on Reimagining Development

Looking Across the Ditch – Reimagining Development Podcast

In so many ways, New Zealand is nimble, creative and progressive. For that reason, looking across the ditch for ideas and inspiration is of great benefit to Australia - in this case, in how to redesign a development program that is fit for purpose.   New Zealand...

Submissions

ACFID Submission to Productivity Commission Philanthropy

ACFID Submission: Australia’s Autonomous Sanctions Review

Submission to the Inquiry into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum

ACFID Pre-Budget Submission 2023-24

ACFID – HRG Submission to Australia’s International Development Policy Review

Submission to Australia’s International Development Policy

Policy briefs

ACFID 2022 Election Summary

Strengthening Australia’s Efforts to Address Gender Inequality – Accessible Version

Humanitarian Action for Those in Greatest Need Brief – Accessible

Elevating Development to the Heart of International Engagement – Accessible

Election Policy Brief 2022 – Humanitarian Action

Election Policy Brief 2022 – Health

Correspondence

Guidelines for using the ACFID Member logo

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Guidance Note

Climate Change: Questions for your Governing Body

Mapping of the ACFID Code and DFAT Accreditation criteria

ACFID Guidance for the Development of a Disability Inclusion Policy (Accessible Word Document)

ACFID Guidance for the Development of a Disability Inclusion Policy (PDF)

About

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Annual Report 2021-22

Reporting on ACFID’s activities to ensure transparency and accountability

ACFID

ACFID is the peak body for Australian NGOs involved in international development and humanitarian action.

Our PARTNERSHIPS

ACFID works and engages with a range of strategic partners in addition to our members.

GOVERNANCE

ACFID is governed by its Board, ACFID Council, and various expert and governance committees.

Members

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Conference 2023

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT 2.0
disruptive dynamics, inspired ideas

18-19 October 2023

Meet our Members

The ACFID membership is comprised of Australian NGOs that actively work in the international aid and development sector.

Become a member

Joining ACFID means joining an experienced and powerful mix of like-minded organisations committed to good international development practice.

Membership types & fees

ACFID has two types of organisational membership: Full Membership and Affiliate Membership.

State of the Sector

The State of the Sector Report provides a comprehensive and robust analysis of the state of the Australian aid and development sector.

NGO Aid Map

ACFID’s NGO Aid Map allows the Australian public and stakeholders to explore the work of ACFID Members around the world.

Development Practice Committee

The DPC is an expert advisory group of development practitioners leading good practice within the sector.

Our Focus

Four men paint a colourful mural

Federal Budget 23-24 Analysis

Facts and figures on how aid is presented in this year’s annual budget

Strategic Plan

ACFID prioritises a robust response to climate change and pressure on civil society in developing countries, as well as other key priorities.

Emergency Aid

ACFID Members provide vital life-saving assistance in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.

Climate Change

Action on climate change is one of ACFID’s highest priorities, as it is an existential threat to humanity and our development.

Civil Society

Civil societies are a cornerstone of regional stability and ensure that the voices of the marginalised are heard.

Supporting NGOS

Supporting NGOs as Valuable Partners.

Inclusive & locally led development

Walking the talk on inclusive development.

Humanitarian Action

Taking humanitarian action for those in greatest need.

Elevating Development

Elevating Development to the Heart of Australia’s International Engagement.

PSEAH

Improving standards, practice and culture to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Code of Conduct

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2022-23 ACFID Code of Conduct Review

The ACFID Code of Conduct is periodically reviewed to ensure it continues to reflect good practice and the needs of ACFID and its members.

Code of Conduct

The Code is a voluntary, self-regulatory industry code of good practice.

About the Code

Find out more about the Code of Conduct and how it operates.

Good Practice Toolkit

Overview and practical resources, and examples to support the implementation of the Code.

Spotlight on the Code

Provides a thematic ‘deep dive’ into each of the nine Quality Principles in the Code

Compliance

This section outlines the responsibility to be taken by each Member to ensure compliance with the Code.

Complaints Handling

How to make a complaint and information on the Code’s independent mechanism to address concerns relating to an ACFID Members’ conduct.

Other Standards

Mapping the Code with other professional standards and principles in the humanitarian and aid sector in Australia and internationally

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