The Government is considering diverting money from poverty-reducing aid

As you have heard, the Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, has revealed plans to divert at least $375 million of Australia’s poverty-focused aid program to fund rising refugee support costs at home in Australia.

Not only would this reduce the amount available for poverty-focused programs overseas, but it would make Australiathe third largest recipient of Australian aid.

We need you to take urgent action today

The Australian Government is considering a cut to overseas aid by $375 million from this year’s foreign aid budget.

With the Government eager to see the federal budget in surplus, the poorest of the poor overseas may be paying the price.

Take action today and tell the Government that you don’t want to see the poor losing out and carrying the weight of the budget surplus on their already overburdened shoulders.

Why this is important:

The purpose of the foreign aid budget is to help save the lives of the poorest of the world’s poor. However, the Government is poised to divert up to $375 million of this money to pay for its domestic asylum seeker processing policy.

Throughout the Bible there is a mandate for all, including governments, to ‘defend the rights of the poor and needy’. We are also called as God’s people to speak out on behalf of the poor. We cannot let the Australian Government syphon $375 million away from the poorest and most marginalised in the world. This is an issue of justice – not charity.

And please forward this email to anyone else you know who lives in your electorate.

If you’re not sure which electorate you live in, please check here.

More information

The Channel 10 news story that first leaked this plan is viewable here.

Our media release is available here

You can read our blog on the issue here.

https://www.getup.org.au/dont-cut-aid

Thanks for raising your voice with us on behalf of the poor,

Ben Thurley
Political Engagement Coordinator
Micah Challenge Australia