Six months ago, on behalf of the Australian government (and people) I promised people
in Chavakchcheri and Chnakannai that in 2014 we would begin to work with them to get clean, safe water into their homes, and that they would have access to improved sanitation - I did so because the Australian government told me the project was approved and the funds were available and that I had their word that Australia would transform their lives.
The Federal Government's announcement of the $625 million reduction (2013/14 only) to the aid budget has confirmed the fears of Australian NGOs and the fact that this government does not keep it's promises. Mr Abbott and his government have walked (or danced) away from his commitment to boost funding to Australian aid and development NGOs, compromising their capacity to deliver assistance to some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities.
The cuts, part of a four year, $4.5 billion slashing of Australia's aid, will undermine the Government's own priorities for the sector. World Vision Australia CEO, Tim Costello points out that: “These cuts will directly affect our programs on the ground, programs designed to aid people with the very basics of a better life: clean water; and better access to health services as well as educational and vocational opportunities. These are all in line with the government’s own priorities of health, education, women and girls. They are already being delivered efficiently by NGOs working on the ground, which in the Government’s own words, are one of the most effective agents for the delivery of assistance.”
Those of you that have read earlier blogs will remember that I was advised that these cuts could mean that a Water and Sanitation project planned for Northern Sri Lanka may be cancelled. Well, we still wait for confirmation of that decision. We are told that now that the big decisions of budget cuts are made that we will know soon, meantime we wait!
The cuts, part of a four year, $4.5 billion slashing of Australia's aid, will undermine the Government's own priorities for the sector. World Vision Australia CEO, Tim Costello points out that: “These cuts will directly affect our programs on the ground, programs designed to aid people with the very basics of a better life: clean water; and better access to health services as well as educational and vocational opportunities. These are all in line with the government’s own priorities of health, education, women and girls. They are already being delivered efficiently by NGOs working on the ground, which in the Government’s own words, are one of the most effective agents for the delivery of assistance.”
For me, in my area of influence the numbers are:
