NEWS & EVENTS
Mineral Rights For PNG Landowners
Just three weeks ago we reported on the Ramu Nickel case that placed cash before custom in Papua New Guinea. The next day, on 2 August, there was a change of government in Papua New Guinea. What also followed was an important change of policy intent by the new...
Focusing aid brings forward the day we can do without it
It is said that only $1 of every $10 spent in Timor-Leste enters the local economy, with most leaving the country to pay for international consultants and imported goods.I have been following closely the progress of the Australian aid effectiveness review, and the...
Media Release: Aid review delivers report
“If targeted effectively, foreign aid can make a positive contribution to improving people's lives, reducing inequality and promoting justice – and the government’s response represents a step in the right direction,” said Gary Lee, Co-Director,...
“Stop the Indonesia-Australia REDD+ project”: Indigenous Peoples’ opposition to the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership
Article originally appeared on REDD-Monitor When Australia announced the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership, in September 2007, Australia’s then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer said that the project, “was an example of practical climate change...
Take Action: Make Aid Transparent
The campaign, Make Aid Transparent, will culminate in just 4 weeks’ time at a high level meeting on Aid Effectiveness in Korea where we will be demanding that governments redouble efforts to meet their aid transparency promises.Rich country governments promised...
AID/WATCH Membership and Donation Appeal, June 2011
AID/WATCH membership is a way you can express and support the principles you share with us – it’s also essential to the continuation of our work.Please join or renew your 2011-2012 membership today by downloading the form here.TAX TIME: Also, with...
No strings to independent Pacific trade advice: Australian NGOs Australian Non Government
20 May 2011 No strings to independent Pacific trade advice: Australian NGOs Australian Non Government Organisations expressed concern at reports of Australia's attempt to compromise the ability of Pacific island countries to determine the role and mandate of the...
Who Are We Aiding?
Last week’s budget saw an increase in Australia’s overseas aid program which was criticised by shadow treasurer Joe Hockey in light of the many Australian families who are 'doing it tough'. There is no denying that many Australians face cost of living...
Media Release: No strings to independent Pacific trade advice: Australian NGOs
The establishment of OCTA, an independent advisory body, was critical to the Pacific island countries' agreement to commence negotiations with Australia and New Zealand for a regional free trade agreement known as PACER-Plus.The annual Forum Trade Ministers' meeting...
Climate Aid Budget
“The Budget commits $251 million to climate aid. This is derisory. Australia’s fair share is at least $2 billion. We are denying real help to societies that today are bearing the brunt of climate change,” said AID/WATCH spokesperson, Dr James Goodman. In its recent...
Better Aid calls for civil society applications to participate in High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness.
Click here for more information about the application process and forms.
AID/WATCH in the News: Back Story – Australian aid review
It's six months since Australia's Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd commissioned a sweeping review of Australia's aid program, led by former senior diplomat and public servant Sandy Hollway. That review will be handed to the Foreign Minister this week. When he announced the...
AID/WATCH in News: Overseas aid spent on the elite
The lucrative awards provide elite students from poorer nations with a stipend of about $25,000 a year and also cover their university or college fees in Australia.But while the program's aim is to reduce poverty, the Howard, Rudd and Gillard governments have used it...
National security focus needed to boost support for aid program
The report, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Foundation for Development Co-operation, was produced by a taskforce including former Howard government trade minister Mark Vaile, former Rudd government parliamentary secretary for international...
Media Release: Australia must commit to supporting Pacific trade capacity
The Constitution of the Office of Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA) was the main point of contention at the Forum Trade officials meeting in Palau last week, with Australia calling for a delay in the establishment of OCTA as an independent legal entity.Despite OCTA’s...
AID/WATCH in the news: Does foreign aid do more harm than good?
THE STATESMAN MALCOLM FRASERAMID the backdrop of disasters in Australia and when foreign aid is under scrutiny some who maintain 'charity begins at home' may suggest that aid does more harm than good. My own experience has overwhelmingly convinced me that aid does far...
Military spends $215m to give $37m in aid to Afghanistan
And the $37m that was spent directly on such projects included more than $6m used to build and maintain patrol bases and other military and security facilities used by the Afghan forces or shared with them.The remaining $215m has been spent on 'the net additional...
Take Action: Make a submission to the aid review and make aid fair!
This year the Australian Government will spend $4.3 billion in aid – and by 2015-16 this is expected to double to over $8 billion. Australia’s aid program can make a huge difference to the lives of millions of people.Unfortunately, the aid program...