AusAID restructure – reactions
20 September, 2013
misc

AusAID restructure – reactions

International development experts in Australia are condemning Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s speedy restructure of Australia’s International Aid Agency – AusAID. Oxfam, World Vision Australia and Action Aid Australia agree that moving AusAID into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade undermines the essence of transparency, assisting the needy and reducing poverty.

Reactions from aid recipients were mixed. While he welcomed the changes and reiterated his support for the decision, Peter O’Neill expressed his governments concerns with AusAID’s operations in PNG. The country will receive AUD 507 million in this financial year. Indonesian diplomats in Canberra were more phlegmatic, acknowledging Australia’s right to determine the administrative arrangements supporting development assistance to their country. Indonesia will benefit from AUD 647 million in development aid.

A former AusAID PNG head suggests that Australia’s attempt to secure a seat on the UN Security Council is responsible for the changes to the administrative arrangements governing the delivery of Australia’s development assistance. Other policy experts cite political, defence and trade interests of Australia as the impetus behind the recent changes.

This article was written by
Dulciana Somare-Brash

Dulciana Somare-Brash is PiPP's deputy executive director. She has a Bachelor Degrees in political science & international relations and law from James Cook University, Australia. Her experience in politics and development ranges from employment with ABC/Radio Australia in Port Moresby, and later as Senior Research Officer at the Australian High Commission there.