Ambassador Culvahouse told a dinner in Sydney the United States wanted Australia to extend its Pacific Step Up to Southeast Asia, a further sign that the Morrison Government has dropped the ball in the region.
There is growing evidence that the Pacific Step Up has come at the expense of a Southeast Asia step-down - at a time when greater competition means maximising our influence in the region has never been more important.
As shown by the Morrison Governments own figures, it has slashed aid to Southeast and East Asia by 30 per cent since 2014, including a 50 per cent cut in aid to Indonesia. These cuts directly undermine Australias interests in a prosperous, stable and secure region.
Australia needs a comprehensive and well-resourced Indo-Pacific strategy that strengthens regional stability and prosperity. Instead, the Morrison Government undermining our reputation as a consistent and trusted partner to our Southeast Asian neighbours.
Senator Payne must correct this in this years Federal Budget.
Over the weekend we learned the Indonesian Government was forced to make public submissions to the Morrison Governments aid review in order to have their voice heard - now the US is publicly calling on the Morrison Government to step up.
How many other close friends of Australia will have to engage in public lobbying before the Morrison Government comes up with an effective plan for the Indo-Pacific?
Official Development Assistance expenditure, 2014-15 to 2019-20
| Country programs | 2014-15 $m | 2019-20 $m | Change $m | Change (per cent) |
| Cambodia | 98.7 | 66 | -32.7 | -33.1 |
| Indonesia | 610.7 | 298.5 | -312.2 | -51.1 |
| Laos | 64.1 | 37.9 | -26.2 | -40.9 |
| Mongolia | 16.5 | 9.8 | -6.7 | -40.6 |
| Myanmar | 102.4 | 84 | -18.4 | -18.0 |
| Philippines | 143.8 | 79.7 | -64.1 | -44.6 |
| Vietnam | 158.1 | 78.2 | -79.9 | -50.5 |
| Total Southeast and East Asia (including regional programs) | 1289.8 | 905.1 | -384.7 | -29.8 |
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.
