National
The failure of Australian soft power: The Morrison government is increasing foreign aid but doesn’t want to talk about it – Sydney Morning Herald
Foreign aid has never been something Coalition governments like talking about. But now Australia has to increase spending or risk losing influence in the nation’s…
While the government is a long way off the $5.5 billion Labor was spending on foreign aid prior to 2013, the strides last year have been welcomed by aid groups. Micah Australia executive director Tim Costello said it was good news for our closest neighbours whose economies and livelihoods are reeling from the pandemic.
But there is significant concern the increase in spending comes as DFAT has quietly shut down its key oversight body that scrutinised the aid program, the Office of Development Effectiveness.
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