Aid and Development
Australia's overseas aid program is aimed at assisting developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, in line with Australia's national interest.
Australia’s aid program is designed to:
Improve aid effectiveness
Accelerate economic growth
Foster functioning and effective states
Invest in people
Promote regional stability and cooperation.
In 2007-08, the Australian Government will provide AUD$3.155 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA). The ratio of Australia’s ODA to Gross National Income (GNI) for 2007-08 is estimated at 0.30 per cent. Australia's goal is to increase ODA to about AUD$4 billion by 2010 subject to strengthened governance and reduced corruption in partner countries. The Australian Government released a White Paper in April 2006 Providing strategic direction for this increased aid commitment.
The majority of Australia’s aid program is delivered through the Australian Agency for International Development, or AusAID. The aid program focuses on the Asia Pacific region. The international community recognises Australia's leading role in the region, particularly in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. Australia continues to provide selective assistance to Africa and the Middle East, primarily working through international and non government organisations.
Australian assistance is jointly agreed to and implemented with Australia's developing country partners. Experience demonstrates that aid programs are more likely to be sustainable and effective when they are aligned with partner government priorities, supported by local people, involve beneficiaries in design and implementation, and are aligned with partner government budgets and systems. Gender equality is integral to growth, governance and stability and is a
consideration across all aspects of the aid program. To improve aid effectiveness and efficiency, Australian aid is untied, which means that organisations based in developing countries can bid for contracts to supply goods and services to the aid
Program.