The Weekly
Marc Purcell, what is at the top of your mind this week?
The world has witnessed approximately 27,000 deaths, tens of thousands injured or missing, and 1.7 million displaced in Gaza. ACFID and 11 members have urgently written to the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, seeking public support for the International Court of Justice’s interim provisional decision. These measures are crucial for providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and easing the escalating humanitarian crisis. The letter also calls for $100 million in new funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank, including support for Australian NGOs. Australia is urged to comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, cease the trade of military goods, and ensure transparency in arms sales.
Additionally, the 3-year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar was marked this week. The humanitarian situation remains dire, affecting 33% of the population, with 18 million people in crisis. The Foreign Minister announced additional sanctions, and ACFID members are actively working to alleviate civilian suffering.
Finally, congratulations are extended to Lyn Morgain, an ACFID board member, recognized as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through various organizations. The acknowledgment is well-deserved.
To Note
Gaza Update
ACFID have welcomed the interim judgement made at the International Court of Justice last week, as shown in our media release here. ACFID, alongside the wider International Humanitarian and Development sector continue to reiterate calls for unimpeded humanitarian assistance, for all parties to protect civilians for a ceasefire. Additionally, ACFID is in the process of coordinating an open letter to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the ICJ provisional measures, aswell as the importance of UNRWA.
To Note
2024 Lobbying Round Key Dates
A reminder that ACFID’s CEO lobbying round will be from the 18-20 March at Parliament House. Please remind your agency CEOs, we would love to see you all in Canberra. Meeting invitations are being sent out, and we will be in touch as meetings are confirmed. If you have any questions about the lobbying round process, please contact ACFID’S Policy & Government Relations Lead Dr Alex Edney- Browne at [email protected]
To Note
ACFID’s Pre-Budget submission 2024-2025
Episode 8, featuring Senator David Pocock, is now available. In this episode, he discusses his advocacy on climate change and his profound commitment to the Pacific. He also shares how his experiences in professional sports helped shape his worldview.
To Note
A little less conversation- New Episode
Episode 8, featuring Senator David Pocock, is now available. In this episode, he discusses his advocacy on climate change and his profound commitment to the Pacific. He also shares how his experiences in professional sports helped shape his worldview. Listen here
To Note
Order of Australia- Oxfam Australia CEO & ACFID Board Member- Lyn Morgain
ACFID warmly congratulates Lyn Morgain of Oxfam Australia and Jo Crawford of IWDA for their appointments as Companions of the Order of Australia. This is an important and worthy recognition of their many years of service in working to advance the rights of those communities who are most disadvantaged in the world. Congratulations Lyn! A special mention also goes to Dr Felix Behan for his appointment; with a list of achievements that includes over a half dozen trips as a volunteer Surgeon with Interplast. Read more here
To Note
ATO Takes Over Overseas Aid Scheme from DFAT in 2024
As of 1 January 2024 the Overseas Aid Gift Deduction Scheme (OAGDS) is to be administered by the ATO, moving away from the former process undertaken by DFAT. This change comes alongside a raft of changes to the registers legislated by the Government  as part of the Refining and Improving our Tax System Bill in mid 2023. The ATO have now published guidance regarding how the transitional provisions apply to those either already DGR endorsed or seeking to be DGR endorsed as a Developing country relief fund or organisation (previously referred to as Overseas aid fund).
You can find this information here
The ATO have also published new guidance to assist entities seeking to apply for DGR endorsement as a Developing country relief fund or organisation from 1 January 2024.
You can find this information here
 A special mention also goes to Dr Felix Behan for his appointment; with a list of achievements that includes over a half dozen trips as a volunteer Surgeon with Interplast. Read more here
To Attend
AP4D Symposium: A Whole-of-Nation Approach to International Policy
You are warmly invited to attend the virtual launch of a new paper from the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D): ‘What does it look like for Australia to take a whole-of-nation approach to international policy’. Key development, diplomacy and defence policies have called for Australia to take a ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to its engagement with the world. This moves beyond ‘whole-of-government’ to involve a range of other actors including business and investment, science and technology, education, sports, culture, media and civil society. To date, however, there has been little discussion of the substance behind this idea. This paper is the culmination of four months of extensive consultations with 113 experts from 93 organisations. Join us to hear the perspectives of different actors on the opportunities and barriers in implementing a whole-of-nation approach as well as lessons that can be learned from existing cross-sector collaboration.
Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue When: Friday 16 February Time: 1 – 2pm (AEDT) Where: Online – register here via Zoom
Who:ÂTo Attend
ACFID Climate Action Peer Learning Program
ACFID is excited to announce that registration is now open to Members for our Climate Action Peer Learning Program. This is a 3-month program for members to systematically review and enhance their approach to climate action in operational, programmatic and advocacy aspects of their organisation.  The Program will be delivered through facilitated workshops, Peer Learning Group sessions, Deep Dive webinars, supported action planning and access to curated resources.
 here
Registration closes February 16th. More information