A Shorten Labor Government will increase Official Development Assistance as a percentage of Gross National Income every year that we are in office, starting with our first Budget.
In government, Labor will rebuild and grow Australias international development program and increase Official Development Assistance.
Labor believes Australia should do its fair share internationally, and work with the international community to achieve the longstanding funding targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.
When Labor was last in power, Australias development assistance budget rose every year reaching around 0.35 per cent of Gross National Income.
Under the current government it has fallen every year with more than $11 billion slashed from the aid budget to just 0.22 per cent of GNI the lowest level on record.
And on the current budget trajectory, it is forecast to drop to as low as just 0.16 per cent.
The Coalitions unprecedented cuts to development assistance of the last four years have caused great harm to some of the poorest people in our region.
They have both impugned our reputation internationally, and have undermined our national interests.
They have harmed our efforts to alleviate poverty, and make our region safer and more secure. They have diminished our standing in the region.
They are also at odds with the generous spirit of the Australian people.
Labor can, and must, do better.
That is why rebuilding Australias international development assistance program is a core element of Labors foreign policy.
Labor believes Australia can show humanity, decency and compassion to ensure a fair go for all at home, on our doorstep, and abroad.
Authorised by Noah Carroll, ALP, Canberra