The Australian Government is about to make a critical decision on its overseas aid funding that could impact on women and communities across the world.
As the United States and Israel’s war in the Middle East drives global insecurity and pushes up the cost of fuel and food, Australian aid is needed now more than ever. But aid funding could be at risk when the Government hands down its Federal Budget on May 12.
ActionAid has joined with other development organisations to take a stand for Australian aid, which provides vital support for women and communities on the frontlines of conflict, climate change and injustice.
Right now, communities across the world are facing unprecedented crises. In Lebanon and Gaza, women and communities are experiencing the devastation consequences of Israeli attacks. Across the world, rising fuel and fertiliser costs are hitting the most vulnerable communities the hardest and risk pushing millions of people into poverty.
Australia’s global leadership is critical. While the fuel crisis is hitting us here in Australia, it is women and communities living in poverty overseas who are being impacted the most.
That’s why Australian aid is so important.
Across the world, Australia aid does lifesaving work: it helps advance women’s rights and gender equality, strengthens health systems, and gives communities the tools they need to respond to conflict, climate change and humanitarian crises. And incredibly, Australian aid achieves all that with less than 1% of the Federal Budget.
The good news is that 75% of Australians think the aid budget should be maintained or increased. We just need to let our leaders know. Together, let’s call on the Government to keep backing Australia’s positive impact – and make sure Australian aid keeps reaching the communities who need it now more than ever.